On all smiles: PSDC 2024 champions Drama Llamas and Skyhigh will go on to represent Malaysia at the International Science Drama Competition in July. — Photos: YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
A NOODLE packet has been discarded into a drain. An investigation takes place to identify who is responsible for such an act.
Through a series of accusations and defences, the detrimental effects of single-use plastics on the environment were highlighted.
This scene that unfolded on stage was what gave the Skyhigh drama team from SMK Dato’ Penggawa Timur, Johor the edge.
Their performance titled Who Did It? earned them first place in the recent Petrosains Science Drama Competition (PSDC) 2024, held in Putrajaya.
Skyhigh’s Thesheegan Thiyagu reflected on his first drama experience: “The biggest challenge was keeping up with the timing and fast music.
“We had to practise a lot along with the tempo, and if we were late by even a second, it would affect the timing.
“I learned a lot about acting, voice projection and even science-related topics like single-use plastics and bioenergy.”
The drama culminated with a call to action, urging the audience to be mindful of plastic disposal and reduce their reliance on single-use plastics.
While this was the first time many in his group were performing, he shared their optimism.
“We were all surprised that a bunch of newbies got first place. We’ve enjoyed the journey and that is what matters most. It’s more than winning or losing,” he said, adding that they are excited knowing that they will be competing internationally.
Making STEM attractive
The PSDC is a drama competition that serves as a platform for pupils and teachers to showcase their science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) knowledge through the medium of drama.
Additionally, the PSDC allows students to apply and hone the 4Cs essential skills: critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating, needed for the future workforce.
It is organised by Petrosains and co-organised by the Education Ministry (MoE), with PETRONAS as the key partner.
The 2024 finals spotlight is not just based on the talent of the participants but the captivating stories behind their performances and the pressing sustainability themes these acts explored.
In the primary school category, returning champion Drama Llamas from SK Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, took the stage with their original and energetic drama piece, Waste to Wonder: A Plastic Odyssey.
Their performance started with a dynamic dance number where three students personified plastic items lamenting their limited usefulness at the end of their lifecycle.
The narrative took a hopeful turn when characters “Mankind” and “Madam Science” promised that these plastics still had untapped potential to change the world.
The story delved into the severe consequences of plastic pollution on marine life and natural habitats but proposed an innovative solution: plastic modified bitumen (PMB).
This material, combining plastic with bitumen, not only helps create stronger and longer-lasting roads but also promotes a circular economy by being recyclable.
Drama Llamas’ portrayal emphasised that PMB could revolutionise Malaysia’s infrastructure, making roads more durable and sustainable while addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste.
The team’s scriptwriter and director Wan Mohamed Faris Wan Yusoff shared some challenges the team faced.
“Those involved had to juggle their classes, work and rehearsals, but with strong support from parents, teachers and classmates, we managed to pull through.
“We also had to find a replacement for a team member who was diagnosed with leukaemia four days before the central zone qualifying round of the competition.
“Trying to teach someone the whole routine in four days is a very tough challenge.”
Recognising individuals’ achievements
The PSDC is a fun way to get children more involved in STEM and English.
The PSDC grand finals saw 10 exceptional teams, representing both primary and secondary schools, compete for the coveted opportunity to represent Malaysia at the International Science Drama Competition (ISDC) in Beijing in July.
These teams will get to further their understanding of global sustainability issues and gain international exposure.
The Malaysian team had performed very well on the international stage in the past, winning second place in the finals in 2016 and 2017 consecutively.
They then upped the ante in 2018 and 2019, bagging first place and beating out teams from all over the Asean region.
This year, several Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC) countries will be participating in the international grand finals.
Judges also took note of individual performers’ efforts in four individual categories: Muhammad Faris Mohamad Faizul from SK Kamil 1 and Uwais Sharif al Qarni Azrul Hassani from SMK Puchong Permai received the Most Promising Actor award.
Arawanda Cristacail Charles Bronson from SK St Catherine (M) and Nur Hidayat Mohd Zain from SMK Raja Sakti both received awards for the Most Promising Actress.
Wafi Ukasyah Wan Mustaffa from SK Changkat Lada 3 and Thesheegan both grabbed awards in the Most Outstanding Actor category.
SK Tengku Mariam’s Eshna Shankar and SMK Puchong Permai’s Alyaa Nur Dhiya Mohd Nor Suhary received the Most Outstanding Actress award each.
The grand finals underscored the value of integrating STEM education with performing arts, inspiring and nurturing the next generation of innovators.
The bigger picture
Zainal commended the efforts of the PSDC, citing its relevance to students and alignment with the current MoE initiatives.Education Ministry educational resources and technology division director Zainal Abas, who represented the Education Minister, commended the efforts of the PSDC.
“This initiative is also in response to the government’s call to realise Strategy 7 in the Memartabatkan Bahasa Melayu dan Memperkukuh Bahasa Inggeris (MBMMBI) policy towards producing individuals who are fluent and proficient in both Malay and English Language.“By strengthening the use of English Language as their second language, we empower them with a valuable skill set which is essential to be successful in today’s globalised world.
“I am also pleased to share that the English Language subject and all four elective STEM subjects – Physics, Additional Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry – have shown an increase in performance during the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2023 examination. Hence, I hope that this competition will also continue to inspire students to excel in these subjects and cultivate a culture of excellence in STEM education.”
Ezarisma: The PSDC provides a unique platform for students and educators to showcase their STEM knowledge.Petrosains chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad also highlighted the importance of the competition and added that this year’s theme, “Global Sustainability: Nations in Action,” reflected the pressing importance of protecting our environment.
“This is a unique platform for students and educators to showcase their knowledge in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, making the whole learning experience fun, interactive and relevant to finding solutions to the collective issues we face in the world today.”
PSDC is not just a competition but a celebration of young talents and their potential to create a sustainable future.
Through their passionate performances, Drama Llamas and Skyhigh have shown that the path to a more sustainable world lies in innovation, responsibility and the courage to dream big.
