Legoland School Challenge 2023 participants at Legoland Malaysia Resort in Iskandar Puteri, Johor.
THE Legoland School Challenge 2023 surpassed all expectations by attracting 370 school group submissions from four countries within the region.
The annual competition at Legoland Malaysia Resort in Iskandar Puteri, Johor brought together close to 4,000 students and teachers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
Igniting the imagination of these young participants, the theme “Cities of the Future” showcased an impressive display of creativity that pushed the boundaries of innovation and brilliance.
Campus Rangers International School Kuala Lumpur emerged the grand winner in the secondary school category.
Group leader Nathanael Yap, 15, said he and four of his close friends had to juggle study commitments while taking part in the competition.
The avid Lego fans took inspiration from the current global warming that had caused sea levels to rise to build their Lego masterpiece.
“Because of rising sea levels, we have no place to go but up.
Winners of the primary school category and first time participants from SJK (C) Keat Hwa K, Alor Setar with their winning Lego metropolis city design. With them is their coach, Tan (left with glasses).
“So we built a solar-powered and emission-free green city,” he said, adding that they used more than 12,000 Lego bricks for the challenge.
Yap, however, said the greatest challenge was bringing their entry to the theme park.
“It was a long five-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. I was anxious throughout, afraid that the city we had built might collapse.
“But it was worth it as we won this category, which is beyond our expectations as there were other great entries,” he added.
SJK (C) Keat Hwa K from Alor Setar, Kedah won the primary school category with a futuristic metropolis where sustainability and innovation intertwined to forge a better and brighter world.
The team’s coach Tan Weng Peng paid tribute to the seven members of his team for their hard work to win their first ever Lego building competition.
“Our team members are all from the school robotic club and participated in many robotic competitions before.
“I am very proud of their dedication,” he added.
The contest included a special category, “IIB Catalyst of Change Award” sponsored by Iskandar Investment Bhd, which was won by Sri Kuala Lumpur Primary International School.
This category celebrates creativity in designing futuristic urban structures with a focus on emerging technology and sustainability elements.
Sri Kuala Lumpur teacher Ramli Zainal said he was proud of his students’ achievement as this was their first participation.
“They worked really hard to make their model city.
“I just encouraged them to use their imagination and build a city they would want to live in.”
The winners received prizes worth up to RM100,000, including educational trips to Legoland Malaysia Resort, trophies constructed from Lego blocks and an exclusive opportunity to participate in a Legoland Malaysia science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programme.
Winners also have the privilege of attending an exclusive workshop with Lego master model builders, where they can refine their skills and deepen their love for creating through Lego bricks.
The winning Lego brick models will be on display at the resort until mid-September.
The Legoland School Challenge continues to receive endorsement from both the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and Education Ministry.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akhbar Khan said the Legoland School Challenge 2023 marked a significant milestone as it had attracted schools from the region for the first time.
“We are thrilled to witness our young builders’ outstanding creative abilities, showcasing their talents and positioning Malaysia as a prime destination for educational and cultural exchange in the region.
“We commend Legoland Malaysia Resort’s efforts in promoting innovative education tourism initiatives that significantly contribute to the growth of our tourism industry,” he added.
Legoland Malaysia resort divisional director CS Lim was proud to witness the growth and success of Legoland School Challenge 2023.
“Our young builders have showcased remarkable creativity, critical thinking and teamwork.
“We are proud that the challenge has become an initiative that fosters our Lego DNA of learning through play, extending learning beyond the confines of the classroom,” Lim added.
