In a thrilling culmination of the “Who Wants to be a Scientist 2024?” competition, Ilanarul Yuvarajah from SJKT Ko Sarangapani, Kedah, emerged as the champion, earning the title of ‘Ariviyal Ainthiram Ambassador’, and walking home with RM2,500 cash prize.
Held at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), the final round brought together five young finalists who showcased impressive STEM knowledge and problem-solving skills that extended well beyond their school curriculum.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”block” ihc_mb_who=”unreg” ihc_mb_template=”3″ ]The competition, inspired by the format of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”, is a key initiative under the Ariviyal Ainthiram STEM project supported by the Malaysian Indian Transformation Agency (MITRA). This year, the project saw participation from 2300 students across 255 SJKTs, who were introduced to cutting-edge STEM content and resources since November 2023. Through various stages of the competition, 90 outstanding students advanced to the semi-finals, ultimately narrowing down to the top five for the final round.
The final round was graced by the Director General of MITRA, Prabagaran Ganapathy who gave away the prizes to the winners. “MITRA is committed to supporting STEM education among the Indian community as we see this as a way to future-proof the youth in the age of disruptive technology,” said Prabagaran.
In addition to Ilanarul’s impressive win, other finalists included 1st runner-up Selva Mohan from SJKT Seri Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan; 2nd runner-up Runivesh Ramu from SJKT Haji Manan, Johor; 3rd runner-up Tanisha Mohanarajah from SJKT St Teresa Convent, Perak; and 4th runner-up Chris Nolan from SJKT Subramani Barathiyar, Penang. All four finalists received RM2000, RM1500, RM1000, and RM500 cash prizes. The 90 semi-finalists were given RM100 book vouchers each.
During the final round, the contestants faced challenging STEM questions and open-ended prompts on current global challenges and emerging technologies. They were asked hypothetical questions, such as which Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) they would focus on as a scientist, whether they would choose to explore space or the ocean, and their thoughts on the impact of excessive gadget use on critical thinking skills compared to traditional learning tools. They also tackled intriguing topics like which field they would choose to pursue for a Nobel Prize and the potential challenges in making Mars habitable.
Elanarul, who demonstrated a deep knowledge of STEM concepts, shared that preparing for the competition sparked his curiosity and inspired him to delve into various STEM resources and watch educational videos on YouTube. “This helped me to ace this competition,” he said.
Runivesh, another finalist, credited his preparation to using ChatGPT to generate challenging STEM questions, while Tanisha noted that she began studying Form 4 Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to expand her knowledge.
The initiative by MITRA and MABIC (Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre) extends beyond the competition itself. Through Ariviyal Ainthiram, The Petri Dish, Malaysia’s first science newspaper, was introduced to all SJKT schools with a special Tamil-language pull-out. This publication brings the latest in STEM advancements, intriguing facts, and scientific terminology in both Tamil and English, alongside inspiring stories of scientists, puzzles, and games.
This initiative has not only cultivated students’ interest but also influenced teachers and schools to conduct their own STEM quizzes, creating a ripple effect in building STEM literacy.
Dr Mahaletchumy Arujanan, Project Coordinator of Ariviyal Ainthiram and Executive Director of the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (Mabic), emphasised the importance of making science relevant and accessible to young minds. “We’ve seen remarkable enthusiasm from students, who are eager to learn more when science is presented in a relatable and engaging way. This competition encourages them to explore beyond textbooks and nurtures a curiosity that is essential for a future in STEM.”
“MITRA’s support in providing credible STEM reading materials in Tamil for Tamil schools marks a significant milestone for STEM education in Malaysia, with long-term benefits expected to unfold in the years to come,” Mahaletchumy added.
Assoc. Prof Dr Mohommad Rahim Kamaluddin, Coordinator of the competition, echoed this sentiment. “This competition aims to spark a lifelong interest in science, inspiring students to continue exploring STEM resources like
The Petri Dish and making learning a daily habit.”
The competition’s success highlights Ariviyal Ainthiram’s broader mission of engaging the Indian community in STEM literacy. Dr Mahaletchumy urged schools to share The Petri Dish’s online access password with parents, fostering discussions on STEM topics at home and enabling parents to guide their children toward a science-literate future.
As a fitting end to the event, Ilanarul Yuvarajah was appointed the Ariviyal Ainthiram Ambassador, symbolising the impact of this initiative on young minds and the promise of a new generation of STEM enthusiasts ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.[/ihc-hide-content]
