29 Graduates from Robotics Education Program as Future Change Makers

28 July 2018, Dow Chemical STEAM Robotics Education Program Phase 1 & 2 Graduation Ceremony

While many are making effort in building a better future for our next generations, HOPE worldwide Malaysia is focusing on building the youths for the future. Thanks to Dow Chemical (Malaysia), youths in Sentul are now being bridged a step closer to realizing their dreams to pursue a career in IT and technology-related industries through the STEAM Robotics Education Program.

A Graduation Ceremony was held to celebrate the milestone of 29 youths, combination of junior and senior batches’ learners who completed their phase 1 & 2 learning syllabus in the Robotics Education Program. Through this graduation ceremony, HOPE worldwide Malaysia announced its collaboration with Micro Bit Malaysia, to instill the elements of Arts in the upcoming learning phases of the Robotics Education Program.

The STEAM Robotics Education Program was established since November 2016, fully funded by Dow Chemical (Malaysia), providing the platform for the youths from low income families and marginalized communities with the opportunity to design and build programmable robots using high quality motors, sensors, gears, wheels axles and other technical components, under the guidance of HOPE worldwide Malaysia, a poverty relief non-governmental organization (NGO).

HOPE worldwide Malaysia Country Director Darick Wong expressed his gratitude towards Dow Chemical for making this a dream come true for their youths, “We want to thank Dow Chemical for their continuous support in this CSR Collaboration. Because of this, many of our youths were transformed. They were not only being equipped with knowledge and skills, but their minds are not being broadened to seeing their future with a whole new perspective.”

Dow Chemical (Malaysia & Singapore) Country Manager, Mr. Paul Fong said in his opening speech, “The power of technology can save the world. In the future, machines can enhance human’s efforts to solve the world’s problems.” He continued by sharing the example of using machines as fire fighters to defend severe fire scenes to reduce casualties and damages. He encouraged the youths to work towards this direction, believing in themselves they too can make a difference for our nation.

A few youths were selected as representatives to deliver their speeches during the graduation ceremony.

“After attended the Robotics Class can help me learn more about how things work, it satisfies my curiosity. Through attending the Robotics Class, I learned to appreciate Teamwork because togetherness can achieve so much more. I love my team mates, we always work together to solve problems.” Sayansika, 14 years old.

“After I joined the Robotics class, I feel that I am empowered to be a Creative Thinker to come out own ideas to build something.” Azlan, 11 years old.

“I have learned the power of technology and this helped me to ponder on how we can able to build a robot to increase human’s productivity and as well saving lives of many.” Hassan, 16 years old.

“I hope that the Robotics Education Program will continue to provide opportunities for youths who are eager to learn and want to know about Robotics and its benefits for our daily lives so that we will not misuse the power of technology instead to use it to create a better future for our country.” Alif, 18 years old. Alif was among the first batch of learners when the program just started in November 2016. There and now, he is also one of the facilitators for the junior batch learners in the Robotics Education Program.

Moving on, the collaboration with Micro Bit will enhance the learning experience of our youths in the Robotics Education Program. The Micro Bit is an open source hardware ARM-based embedded system designed by the BBC for use in computer education in the UK. Now, the youth in Sentul will also have the privilege to obtain the knowledge from this amazing technology.

Paul Fong also presented a grant of USD17,000 (RM66,354.42) to HOPE worldwide Malaysia which will be utilised to run the programme in 2018 and 2019.

By the end of the Graduation Ceremony, the youths had a chance to exhibit their very own Robotics created by their ideas and creativity through the effort of team work. HOPE worldwide Malaysia Country Director Darick Wong said that the youths will be participating a Robotics in coming October with the hope to let these youths to gain more exposure and experience with other Robotics learners out there.

For more event photos, check them out at our Facebook page by clicking into: Dow Chemical STEAM Robotics Phase 1 and 2 Graduation 2018

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