The National Science Challenge (NSC) is a premier national level science competition organised by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) for Malaysian secondary school students aged 13 to 16, including those from national, private, international, and homeschooling backgrounds. ​ ​

Established in 1999, NSC has evolved from a national science quiz into one of Malaysia’s flagship STEM competitions, recognised through the Right Honourable Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy. The competition aims to nurture interest, deepen understanding, and strengthen foundational competencies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), while inspiring students to pursue STEM related pathways and careers. ​ ​

NSC is conducted through four progressive levels, namely the Preliminary Level, State Level, Science Camp (Semi-Final Level), and Grand Final Level, typically held between February and September each year, featuring high level scientific challenges that encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.

Vision
To nurture, promote & enhance interests in science, technology, and innovation (STI)
Objectives
Building Knowledge & Skills
To develop & nurture scientific and creative skills through engagements in STEM

Fostering Excellence in Science Communication

NSC as a prestigious platform for students to showcase, demonstrate & communicate STEM knowledge

Enculturating Life-long Interest in STIE

To instill interest in younger generation to pursue studies and careers in STIE

The Right Honourable Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy

GOLD-COATED MOLECULES ATTRACTED BY STRONG CHEMICAL BONDS
This reflects NSC's objectives of imparting knowledge, nurturing leadership and building students' enthusiasm, whilst highlighting the importance of effective collaboration throughout the competition. These budding young scientists will then grow to be the scientific leaders of tomorrow, hence, enhancing and propagating our continued excellence in STI.
TROPHY
The lit-torch design envisages NSC's aspiration to become a beacon that inspires students to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of science & technology, culminating in them making STI (Science, Technology, and Innovation) as the basis of their career choice in the future.
THE INFINITELY CONTINUING LINE​
This symbolises the never-ending pursuit of knowledge through which NSC hopes to motivate students in exploring the myriad fields within STI to come up with innovative ideas for the benefit of their communities, the nation, and ultimately, the world.​
NSC Timeline

  • 2026Refined NSC focus towards strengthening core foundations in STEM

  • 2020Virtual NSC (VNSC) due to pandemic​

  • 2012Introduction of online quiz for NSC Preliminary Level​

  • 2006​Rebranded as National Science Challenge (NSC)

  • 1999Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) took the helm of NSC

  • 1983National Science Quiz (Kuiz Sains Nasional)​

    Organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and the Environment, professional science and technology associations (Persatuan–persatuan Iktisas Sains dan Teknologi), and Malaysian Rubber Board​