PUTRAJAYA, July 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Techlympics 2026 (MT2026), a key initiative to develop science, technology and innovation (STI) talent, will be held from July to September, targeting 1.8 million participants among students and youths nationwide.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in a statement today, said the fifth edition of the programme aims to nurture interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among the younger generation aged between six and 30.
Aligned with the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (DSTIN) 2021–2030, MT2026 features high-impact competitions, inclusive outreach programmes as well as educational and training activities beyond the classroom.
“This year’s implementation would be carried out through collaboration among various ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Education (MOE), State Education Departments (JPN), government agencies, industry partners and state governments through the relevant exco members,” read the statement.
MOSTI said 90 competitions comprising 182 STI modules would be offered this year, covering fields such as renewable energy, drones, robotics, engineering, forensics, 3D printing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, biotechnology and green technology.
The ministry said outreach programmes had also been conducted in selected rural schools to strengthen the STEM education ecosystem and encourage greater interest in STI-based learning.
“The programme also continues its commitment towards inclusivity by emphasising the participation of students from the Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI),” it said.
The Malaysia Techlympics preliminary regional competitions will begin in the Southern Zone at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), Johor, before moving to the Central Zone at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), East Zone at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), East Zone 2 at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) and Northern Zone at Kulim Hi-Tech Park.
The competition will then continue in the Sabah Zone at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and conclude in the Sarawak Zone at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS).
The competitions across these regions will run from July to September, while the Malaysia Techlympics 2026 National Final is scheduled for November at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS).
MOSTI said the initiative would further promote STI culture and literacy while expanding access to knowledge, technology and innovation, particularly among communities in rural areas.
It added that the programme aimed to produce a competitive, innovative and technologically literate generation, while strengthening STI as a driver of public well-being, national prosperity and Malaysia MADANI development.
Meanwhile, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the main enhancement introduced in this edition was the use of AiRIMAU, an intelligent learning platform that allows participants to explore Agentic Artificial Intelligence (Agentic AI) through interactive and practical learning experiences.
“The introduction of this platform reflects MOSTI’s commitment to ensuring the younger generation receives early exposure to future technologies and builds the capability to use them responsibly, creatively and ethically,” he said.
Members of the public can obtain further information and register at www.techlympics.my.
-- BERNAMA