SK Long Bedian, Sarawak emerged as the champion of Petrosains Tech4All 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Oct: National School (SK) Long Bedian, Sarawak created a proud achievement when it won the Petrosains Tech4All Championship 2026.

The success was achieved through the innovation of Smart Object Recycling Technology (SORT).

The team of rural Sarawak schools attracted the jury with a project that highlights the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help communities isolate waste more easily and quickly.

The team's mentor, Hanson Teo said the success was a result of students' interest in robotics nurtured through Design and Technology (RBT) subjects, as well as their mastery in Mathematics, Science and English.

He said intensive preparation for a week was also provided to help students build confidence when making presentations as well as answering jury questions related to the project being developed.

"When I taught RBT, they showed an interest in robotics. So I chose and honed their talents. This group of students also have a good foundation in Mathematics, Science and English", he said at the program's award ceremony at Petrosains today.

According to Hanson, the achievement was sweeter when it was the students' first visit to Kuala Lumpur and participated in a national competition.

"It also opens up opportunities for them to see new environments and broaden their perspective", he added.

The SK Long Bedian team also led by teacher Lizebet Missel was represented by August Antonio Galvin, Aarisson Lenjau, Hilda Unyang and Angel Luhung.

Meanwhile, team leader August said that the competition he won with other friends was seen as giving them an opportunity to learn new skills, including the basics of robotics and assembly of components previously only studied in theory.

"This is the first time we've learned new things like installing components and building robots. Through this project, we want to help schools and communities dispose of garbage more easily and quickly", he said.

August, 12, said the victory was a pride because the team from the rural school managed to bring Sarawak's name to national level, thereby spreading his interest in pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Meanwhile, Deputy Director General of Education Malaysia (Sektor Dasar and Kurikulum), Dr Rusmini Ku Ahmad said that the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) will continue to strengthen educational infrastructure, especially in rural areas, to bridge the gap between students' access to STEM facilities and mastery.

"This victory of rural schools like SK Long Bedian is a positive indicator and can boost the spirit of teachers and students in rural areas.

"When their potential is exploited and supported with the appropriate infrastructure, equipment and digital facilities, they are also able to excel in STEM", he added.

Petrosains Tech4All 2026 this year involves teachers and students from nine states, with 10 finalist teams consisting of 20 teachers and 40 students from six states selected to present their respective innovation projects at the national level. -TVS