MIRI: The Borneo International Robot Tournament 2026 has further strengthened Sarawak’s growing reputation as a regional hub for STEM education and robotics talent development, while simultaneously promoting the state onto the international stage through the integration of technology, education and culture.
The opening ceremony of the Robomission Battle LEGO Education SPIKE Prime competition brought together local and international participants, turning Miri into a vibrant platform for innovation, creativity and future-ready skills development.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, in a speech delivered by his representative, said technology was no longer solely about machines, but also about creativity and the human ability to solve real-world challenges.
He described this year’s theme, ‘Robots Meet Culture’, as particularly meaningful as it reflected the fusion of technological innovation with the cultural identity and heritage of Sarawak’s multicultural society.
“The organisation of this tournament reflects Sarawak’s commitment towards equipping the younger generation with future-ready skills, confidence and global competitiveness in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030),” he said as reported by Sarawak Public Communication Unit UKAS) today.
Sagah revealed that this year’s edition attracted more than 260 teams with 280 category entries from various countries and regions, further cementing Sarawak’s position as an emerging hub for STEM and robotics development in the region.
He said the tournament had now evolved into an internationally recognised platform capable of promoting Sarawak globally through the combination of technology, education and tourism.
Among the new categories introduced this year were Robosumo (SPIKE Prime) and League of Mecha-Clash (LOM) Matrix.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Education’s Director, Omar Mahli, in a speech delivered by his representative, described the tournament as an important platform that encouraged learning, innovation and collaboration among students.
He said a total of 56 schools from across Sarawak participated through 96 teams, reflecting growing interest and confidence among educational institutions towards STEM development.
“STEM education plays an increasingly important role in equipping students with innovation skills, creative thinking and adaptability in facing rapid technological advancement,” he said.
He also stressed that technological progress should move hand in hand with the preservation of cultural identity and community values, as highlighted through the competition’s theme.
The fourth edition of the international robotics competition organised by SMK Chung Hua (CF) Miri was held here in conjunction with the STEM and Robotics Empowerment Programme 2026 following the success of the Borneo International Robot Football 2019, Borneo International Robot Tournament 2024 and Borneo International Robot Tournament 2025.
The previous three editions successfully obtained international-level Physical, Sports and Co-Curricular Activity Assessment (PAJSK) recognition from the Sports, Co-Curricular and Arts Division (BSKK) under the Ministry of Education Malaysia.
The Robomission Battle LEGO Education SPIKE Prime competition featured six categories and was open to participants, aged between nine and 21, from Malaysia and abroad, including the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India, Russia, Germany, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Overall, the tournament involved 288 teams with approximately 800 participants led by their respective teachers and mentors, while the total number of participants and officials from within and outside the country was estimated to reach between 1,000 and 1,200 people.
