SMK King George V from Negeri Sembilan emerged as the Champion of the 2018 National Science Challenge, during its Grand Final competition on 13 September 2018.

SMK King George V (Negeri Sembilan), Kolej Yayasan Saad (Melaka), MRSM Tun Abdul Razak Pekan (Pahang) and the Wild Card Team from Kedah (represented by students from SMJK Sin Min, MRSM Langkawi and MRSM Kubang Pasu) competed in the Grand Final competition.

The Grand Final featured a science quiz, followed by a presentation round, where the teams showcased their scientific innovation, creativity and presentation skills by presenting their prototypes to the distinguished judges.

SMK King George V brought home a cash prize of RM1,500, and they will be travelling to Stockholm, Sweden to visit centres of excellence as well as to witness the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony.

First runner-up MRSM Tun Abdul Razak received RM1,200 in cash prize, and a study trip to the Silicon Valley in California, sponsored by the United States Embassy in Malaysia.

Second and third runners-up Kolej Yayasan Saad and the Wild Card Team Kedah received RM900 and RM600 respectively, and will also be visiting the Land of the Rising Sun on an exchange programme titled Sakura Science Exchange Programme, sponsored by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

The 2018 NSC Grand Final was graced with the presence of the Deputy Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change YB Madam Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis. Other prominent figures present include ASM President YBhg Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail FASc, President & Chairman of ExxonMobil Subsidiaries in Malaysia Mr Edward E. Graham, United States Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. Kamala Shirin Lakhdir and Director of Japan Science and Technology Agency Singapore Office Mr Masaki Sato.

In her speech, Datuk Asma mentioned the importance of nurturing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talents by cultivating their interest in STEM, for them to finally pursue education and career in STEM.

She goes on to say that it is not enough to just inspire their interest, but to also reignite their minds with the wonder and excitement of science, engineering and technology combining it with creativity and innovation.

Meanwhile, YB Munirah stressed the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for the advancement and betterment of Malaysia, and urged the future torchbearers of the nation to pursue their study and career in STEM-related fields.

Furthermore, YB Munirah encouraged more public-private partnerships to be formed in order to increase access of STEM enrichment programmes such as NSC among Malaysian students.