Brunei Robotics Olympiad Held
By Azaraimy HH

Bandar Seri Begawan - Using creativity, innovation and basic knowledge of programming while utilising computers and LEGO Mindstorm kits, 24 teams from 23 primary schools and 25 teams from 22 secondary schools put their `autonomous robots' to the test for best design at the Brunei Robotic Olympiad (BRO) 2006.

BRO 2006, organised by STEP Centre with support from Brunei Shell Petroleum Sdn Bhd, was held at Multipurpose Hall, Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School in Lambak Kanan.

This is the third Olympiad organised in the country and for the first time included a category for lower secondary schools. The competition consisted of two categories, `Soccer Goal' for primary schools and `Robot Adventure' for secondary schools.

In the `Soccer Goal' category, SRL Mech team from Lumapas Primary School emerged champions, followed by SYSTEM-B team from Haji Mohd Jaafar Primary School in second place and Dexter's Robo team from Muda Hashim Primary School in third.

In the `Robot Adventure' category for lower secondary schools, the Olympiad championship trophy went to SM PAPHM Girls team from Pengiran Anak Puteri Hajah Masna Secondary School. Coming in second was SOAC3 team from SOAS College, while AAC team from Anthony Abel College were third.

The objectives of the competition were to introduce basic knowledge on how to build robots from primary school level; to cultivate students' interest in robot technology in relation to the real world; to develop primary and secondary school students' interest and talents in science, mathematics and technology; and to promote creative thinking, communication and cooperation skills.

In his speech, the guest of honour Awg Hj Zainal Abidin bin Haji Mohd Ali, Deputy Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum, said students must learn to understand facts of the subject and not only memorise them.

He added that the country needed students with vision and who could think outside the box. He called for teachers to prepare teaching materials using innovative techniques and encourage students to explore current issues. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Click Here To Have Your Say On This Story

Brudirect.com News

Brunei's Fastest Growing Website with