MIRI: The Borneo International Robot Tournament (BIRT) 2026 has further reinforced its role in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education while fostering creativity and innovation among students.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said BIRT 2026 is not merely a robotics competition, but an important platform for uncovering the potential of the younger generation in innovation and technology.
He also said that participants throughout the tournament demonstrated high levels of creativity, strong technical problem-solving abilities, and teamwork across national and cultural boundaries.
“The participation of teams from Malaysia, Myanmar, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Macau, Mexico, Vietnam, Laos, South Korea and Thailand has made the tournament a global platform that strengthens friendship networks and knowledge exchange in robotics.
“The Sarawak Government, through MEITD, will continue to support programmes such as BIRT in line with the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), aimed at producing a highly skilled, creative and innovative workforce,” he said at the BIRT 2026 closing ceremony at a hotel on Saturday (May 9).
His text-of-speech delivered by Chief of Innovation Division at the MEITD Sarawak, Dr Cheong Yaw Liang.
Meanwhile, SMK Chung Hua (CF) Miri’s Principal, Lai Jia Ling said BIRT, which began in 2019, has grown into an important platform in helping develop students who are prepared for 21st-century challenges through communication skills, creative thinking, problem-solving and teamwork.
At the same event, various teams from Malaysia and abroad were announced as winners in their respective categories, including Robomission Battle, Robosports Double Tennis, Robosumo Spike Prime, and League of Mecha-Clash Matrix.
The three-day international robotics competition held from May 7 to 9 and organised by SMK Chung Hua (CF) Miri brought together participants, teachers, mentors and international delegations to promote innovation, creativity and technological skills among students.
