Grand STEM Challenge 2025: Inspiring 2,000 Students at INTI International University
The Grand STEM Challenge 2025 (GSC) took place on August 23, 2025, at INTI International College Penang, attracting more than 2,000 students from 300 schools, marking the highest participation level since the competition’s inception six years ago.
Event Inauguration
The event was inaugurated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who underscored its significance in highlighting students’ creativity and problem-solving capabilities. The challenge encompassed eight finalist competitions, three inter-school hackathons, seven interactive workshops, and a STEM Experience Festival aimed at fostering engagement and learning.
Participant Engagement
Participants engaged in various disciplines, including robotics, programming, mathematics, English, physics, chemistry, and biology, showcasing their innovative solutions to a range of challenges.
Importance of STEM Initiatives
In his speech, Chow pointed out the value of initiatives like the Grand STEM Challenge in offering students opportunities to excel in STEM fields. He noted that although Penang did not send a team to the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) this year, this absence stemmed from a lack of platforms for preparing students for global competition, rather than a deficiency in talent.
Chow’s Vision
Chow characterized the challenge as more than just a competition; he described it as a movement that fuels students’ ambitions and creativity. He likened the challenge to the Olympic flame, representing the enduring spirit of STEM. He advocated for continuous investment in STEM education as vital for cultivating future talent in an increasingly technology-oriented landscape.
Chief Executive’s Insights
Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of INTI International College Penang, emphasized the importance of STEM in creating adaptable graduates. She stated that the GSC 2025 serves as a robust platform for fostering students’ potential and positioning Penang as a significant educational and technological hub.
Looking Ahead
The Grand STEM Challenge 2025 not only celebrated academic achievements but also encouraged collaboration among students, educators, and industry leaders, establishing a foundation for the next generation of innovators. Organizers indicated plans to broaden the challenge in 2026 to include regional participation, thereby amplifying its impact.
(Source: INTI International University)
