What is the FIRST Tech Challenge?

FIRST Tech Challenge is a robotics competition, that challenges students to plan, build, and code a robot, enabling it to compete with other robots in an alliance format. Robots will be built from a reusable platform, powered by Android technology, and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. It cultivates different values and skills such as teamwork, creativity in problem-solving, communication inter organizational, engineering process, building life skills, and career discovery.

FIRST Tech Challenge Malaysia @ Penang

FIRST Tech Challenge for Malaysia region is held for its third time by Penang Science Cluster in conjunction with Season 2023/2024 - CENTERSTAGE, with positive feedback and testimonials received from the previous season. Hence we would like to thank all participating students, and volunteering industry mentors taking part in this competition! We hope that participating teams are able to put their best feet forward, compete with gracious professionalism, endeavor new discoveries in science and technology, and learn massively at the end of each season.

FIRST Tech Challenge Impact

Through FIRST, positive impacts on participants across the globe, with different demographic groups were observed through rigorous multi-year longitudinal studies, based on studies conducted by Brandies University Center for Youth and Communities. With only one year of experience participating in FIRST Tech Challenge, or any FIRST competitions studied participants exhibit 2 to 3 times more likely to have gained in STEM outcomes, as compared to the comparison group of peers not participating in the FIRST competition.

-Adapted from FIRST

2021 FIRST Longitudinal Study Highlights

FIRST Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - 2021 Impact Highlights

Longitudinal Studies & Program Impact Reports

FIRST Tech Challenge Malaysia Expected Outcomes

FIRST Tech Challenge Malaysia is expected to further embed and cultivate the interest of students in STEM education through the field of robotics, as well as inspiring creativity and innovation in students. Through the conduction of the FIRST Tech Challenge, it is expected to:

Increase student's knowledge, confidence, and experience in both technical and soft skills in the field of robotics.
Inspiring and encouraging more female students to be involved in the field of robotics and engineering.
Preparing students for industrial automation, in alignment with Industry Revolution 4.0.
Promote student's interest in STEM education through the field of robotics.