NSC 2026: From Science Camp to National Champion

SM Tshung Tsin Sabah emerged as the champion of the Cabaran Sains Kebangsaan 2026 (NSC 2026), taking home the YAB Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy at the Grand Final held on 7 September 2026 at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The journey to the Grand Final began with the NSC 2026 Semi-Final Science Camp, held from 1 to 5 September 2026. A total of 48 students and their mentor teachers from 16 schools representing their respective states took part in the five-day programme, which provided an immersive STEM experience through hands-on experiments, research facility visits, career exposure and scientific challenges.

Participants visited research facilities, including the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), the Malaysian Nuclear Agency (ANM), and NIH.

At MARDI and ANM, they tackled real-world challenges in areas such as food security, crop and pest management, and UV light-based technology for wood-coating preservation.

They applied scientific approaches to analyse problems, design experiments, and develop solutions, then prepared scientific reports and project posters for assessment.

The programme also featured a STEM career briefing by TalentCorp, recreational activities and discussions on scientific ethics. The Science Camp concluded with participants presenting their projects to a panel of judges, demonstrating their scientific knowledge, communication and problem-solving skills.

NSC 2026 Semi-Final Closing Ceremony Group Photo.

The Top Five teams advancing to the Grand Final of NSC 2026.

Five schools subsequently advanced to the Grand Final: SMK Desa Petaling, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur; SM Tshung Tsin, Sabah; SMK Tsung Wah, Perak; SMK Tapu, Terengganu; and SMK Agama Jerlun, Kedah.

NSC 2026 Champion, SM Tshung Tsin, Sabah.

At the Grand Final, SM Tshung Tsin, Sabah, emerged as champion, followed by SMK Tsung Wah, Perak, as runner-up. SMK Agama Jerlun, Kedah, placed third; SMK Desa Petaling, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, fourth; and SMK Tapu, Terengganu, fifth.

The competition also recognised outstanding individual achievements. Foo Xylyn from SMK Chung Hwa, Kelantan received the Best Participant Award at the Preliminary Stage, while Lakshanyaa A/P Manevannan from SMK Convent (M) Bukit Mertajam, Penang received the Best STEM Communicator Award.

Lakshanyaa A/P Manevannan from SMK Convent (M) Bukit Mertajam, Penang received the Best STEM Communicator Award.

Officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Datuk Chang Lih Kang, who represented Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, NSC 2026 carried the theme “Memantapkan Asas Sains untuk Masa Depan yang Berdaya Tahan dan Inklusif” (Strengthening the Foundations of Science for a Resilient and Inclusive Future).

The competition recorded its highest participation since its inception, attracting 18,671 teams involving 56,013 students nationwide.

ASM congratulates all participants, winning teams, mentor teachers, YSN-ASM coaches, parents, and schools for their dedication throughout NSC 2026, and thanks all strategic partners for their continued support in making the competition a success.