Simply spectacular: Ezarisma Azni (back row, sixth from left) posing with members of the cast in Bangkok.
INSPIRED by the urgent need to mitigate the effects of climate change, a team of pupils from SK Setiawangsa, Kuala Lumpur, took to the stage to perform their drama entitled “Aviation Revolution Journey to Sustainability”.
Their spectacular performance won the hearts of judges, propelling them to victory as they picked up the top prize in the junior category of the International Science Drama Competition (ISDC) 2023.
For their win, they took home a cash prize of 15,000 baht (RM1,965). This marked the third time Malaysia has won the international competition, after having bagged the title in 2018 and 2019.
In addition, 12-year-old Hassan Ali Rayyan Hirman Falani from the team who dubbed themselves Drama Llamas was named “Outstanding Performer” in the junior category.
Held at the CW Tower in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sept 10, the ISDC 2023 saw teams from all over the Asian region battling it out on stage with a seven-minute drama based on the “Producing Green, Consuming Green” theme, which commemorated 2023 as the International Year of Millets and aligned with global concerns about sustainability.
Participation for the international competition was open to teams comprising primary school pupils for the junior category and members of the public for the open category.
In the junior category, Singapore’s “Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School Drama Club” and Thailand’s “Dara Beginning” came in second and third, respectively.
Participants were required to form a maximum of 15 cast members and perform a skit, which must combine scientific content and drama, on stage for not more than seven minutes.
The performances were scored based on scientific content, cast performance, overall presentation and creativity.
Drama Llamas had won an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Malaysia at the ISDC after emerging the champion at the Petrosains Science Drama Competition (PSDC) held in Kuala Lumpur on July 4.
In that outing, Hassan Ali Rayyan was also named “Most Outstanding Performer”.
Expressing jubilation at Malaysia’s ISDC win, Petrosains chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad said all the participants showcased great talent, and understanding of the concepts of science and sustainability through their performances. “The presentations were testament to the fact that the arts enrich the learning of science, and that science through drama can make the experience more meaningful for all those involved.
“It also gives young people the opportunity to explore activities beyond the usual classroom environment to better understand and remember science concepts, making the whole learning fun and enjoyable,” he said in a press release dated Sept 10.
The ISDC 2023 was organised by the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (Aspac), of which Petrosains, The Discovery Centre is a member.
The PSDC was jointly organised by Petrosains and the Education Ministry.
As PETRONAS’ social impact arm in the pillar of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, Petrosains’ involvement in the PSDC is part of its contribution to the nation in support of the government’s aspiration to develop a future generation of critical thinkers who are scientifically inclined.
The competition was first held in 2016 as the Malaysian Finals of the ISDC before being renamed the Petrosains Science Drama Competition in 2019.
The objective of the competition is to promote science through drama among the younger generation.
