Challenge Name: #HeritageNexus: Interactive Cultural Village

Description: Cultural Heritage Automated Systems refer to technologies supporting human interaction, cultural understanding, and the preservation of traditions. This theme invites students to design and build an Interactive Cultural Village where programmed virtual entities (Agents) and smart automation help visitors experience and understand local heritage, including traditional agricultural practices. From automated tour guides to smart traditional farming mechanics, participants will explore how AI and coding can bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern technology.

Objectives:

• To introduce students to the role of automated systems and smart technology in cultural tourism and heritage preservation.

• To encourage the development of interactive environments that communicate cultural values and traditional agricultural practices.

• To promote hands-on experience in designing automated systems using coding (MakeCode) and Redstone mechanics in Minecraft Education Edition.

• To inspire interest in bridging STEM learning with cultural appreciation and community impact.

A. PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

• Each group must consist of a maximum of five (5) students.

• Open to all Lower Secondary students (Form 1 to Form 3).

B. PROJECT TASK & BUILD EXAMPLES Participants must design and build an Interactive Cultural Village that integrates traditional elements with smart automated systems. The goal is to demonstrate how AI and coding can bridge the gap between ancient traditions and modern technology.

• Examples of Builds You Can Create:

  • Automated Traditional Architecture: Replicas of traditional houses (e.g., Longhouse, Minangkabau House, or Melaka House) featuring automated doors, lighting, or ventilation systems.

  • Terraced Paddy Field Systems: Automated irrigation systems utilizing mechanical water wheels to water traditional crops.

  • Heritage Art Stage: A stage for traditional performances (e.g., Wayang Kulit / Shadow Puppets or traditional dances) powered by Redstone circuits and Note Blocks.

  • Smart Handicraft Center: A workshop for traditional crafts (such as Batik painting or Songket weaving) assisted by the Agent (coding robot).

  • Guided Tourism Trail: A Smart Agent programmed to act as a tour guide, leading visitors around the village and stopping at historical points of interest.

#CHRONOVAULT: THE SMART HERITAGE MUSEUM
Description: In modern heritage preservation, advanced automation and artificial intelligence play a crucial role in safeguarding artifacts and ensuring accessibility. This theme challenges students to design an advanced Smart Heritage Museum. Participants will use complex automated systems to protect historical artifacts, preserve ancient biological/agricultural seeds, and build inclusive infrastructure. The challenge emphasizes social responsibility, requiring students to reflect on how computational technology can make cultural preservation secure, educational, and accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities (OKU).

Objectives:

• To encourage the use of advanced coding and AI to solve complex challenges in heritage preservation.

• To foster the development of automated systems that protect cultural artifacts and historical agricultural data (seed vaults).

• To build awareness of inclusive design and social responsibility in public spaces.

• To provide advanced hands-on experience using MakeCode/Python and complex Redstone engineering in Minecraft.

A. PARTICIPANT INFORMATION

• Each group must consist of a maximum of five (5) students.

• Open to all Upper Secondary students (Form 4 and Form 5).

B. PROJECT TASK & BUILD EXAMPLES Participants must design and build a Smart Heritage Museum that emphasizes artifact security, cultural preservation, and inclusive accessibility for all visitors.

• Bonus Marks (Local Heritage Inspiration): Bonus marks will be awarded to groups that base their build on, or draw clear inspiration from, a real museum in Malaysia (e.g., National Museum, Sabah State Museum, Sarawak Museum, or Royal Museum).

• Examples of Builds You Can Create:

  • High-Security Artifact Vault: Multi-layered security doors utilizing Redstone logic gates or passcodes to protect national treasures.

  • Inclusive Infrastructure (PwD/OKU-Friendly): Mechanical elevators, automated ramps, and audio-guided pathways designed specifically for people with disabilities and the elderly.

  • Digital Preservation Lab: A simulated workspace where the Agent is programmed to systematically restore or clean damaged ancient artifacts.

  • Interactive Historical Diorama: Exhibition displays utilizing Command Blocks to visually narrate historical events when activated by visitors.

  • Cultural Data Archive System: A digital storage center for local geographical and historical data that functions systematically using Redstone sorting mechanics.

1. Originality: The build must be entirely original. The use of downloaded external maps or the work of third parties is strictly prohibited.

2. No Mods Allowed: Only native features of Minecraft Education Edition are permitted. The use of Image Maps (to display real photos, logos, or posters) is allowed.

Video Presentation:

• Duration: Maximum 3 minutes.

• Content: A full walkthrough, concept explanation, and a clear demonstration of the coding/Redstone elements used.

• Format: Can be in Malay or English (Must include a clear Voice Over).

Important Dates:

• Submission Deadline: 10 June 2026 (before 11:59 PM).

• Winner Announcement: During the VECTRA 2026 Closing Ceremony.

Note: There will be NO live pitching session. Judging will be based entirely on the submitted video

Committee Tip: Participants are strongly advised to write a script for their Voice Over before recording the video. Avoid walking through the Minecraft world too slowly. Use video editing (cuts/transitions) to jump directly to the most important sections.

Part 1: Introduction & Overview (0:00 – 0:30) | 30 Seconds

• What to Show: An aerial view (flyover) or the best angle showcasing the entire project build (Cultural Village or Smart Museum).

• Voice Over (What to Say): * State your Team Name, MRSM Name, and Project Title.

  • Briefly state the main objective of the project (How this project answers the Cultural Heritage theme).

• Judging Focus: Video Quality (10%) & Theme Accuracy (10%).

Part 2: Design Tour & Function of Creations (0:31 – 1:30) | 60 Seconds

• What to Show: Take the audience on a tour of the main zones, focusing on the function of each creation/structure built. Show how the traditional elements come to life or how the museum infrastructure (like PwD-friendly facilities) is used by visitors. (For Upper Form: If aiming for the bonus marks, show the comparison between your creation and the real museum using an Image Map).

• Voice Over: Explain the practical use of each creation. Why was it built that way? What is its purpose and function in preserving cultural heritage or assisting the community?

• Judging Focus: Creativity & Design (25%) & Originality (10%).

Part 3: Automation (Redstone) & Coding (Agent) Demonstration (1:31 – 2:30) | 60 Seconds

• What to Show: This is the technical proof section. Do not just talk about it—show it!

  • Press a button or pull a lever to show the Redstone circuits behind your creations functioning (e.g., vault doors closing, water wheels turning, or elevators moving).

  • Show the Agent performing its programmed task automatically in front of the camera.

  • Editing Tip: Use a split-screen technique where half of the screen displays the code blocks (MakeCode/Python) and the other half shows the Agent executing the command.

• Voice Over: Briefly explain the logic behind the Redstone circuits and the main commands given to the Agent.

• Judging Focus: Engineering & Automation (25%) & Use of Code (20%).

Part 4: Conclusion & Impact (2:31 – 3:00) | 30 Seconds

• What to Show: Return to a full view of the build or show the participants' avatars posing with the Agent in front of the project.

• Voice Over: Summarize how this automated technology and AI (Agent) can make a positive impact on society, preserve cultural heritage, and make facilities more inclusive.

• Judging Focus: Theme Accuracy & Innovation (10%).