LEGOLAND Malaysia School Challenge 2023

 

Back for its second year, the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023, powered by Iskandar Investment Berhad, was opened to students from ASEAN countries for the first time, including schools from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

 

The Grand Prize winning team from 
SKJC Keat Hwa K, Alor Setar, Kedah

This competition was made possible with the active involvement and support across federal and state government departments, and partners including the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Ministry of Education (MoE), Johor Tourism, Johor State Education Department, and Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB).

 

Designed to help students cultivate various soft skills, including teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving and self-confidence, this year’s challenge theme called for students to use their imagination and creativity to build “Cities of The Future” in LEGO bricks.

 

“As the main partner for the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 and the catalytic and strategic developer of Medini, Iskandar Puteri, IIB and LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort share the vision of nurturing young minds, fostering innovation and cultivating sustainable communities in our region,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of Iskandar Investment Berhad, Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim.

 

The opening dance at Prize-giving Ceremony

“This year’s theme, “Cities of the Future” resonates deeply with IIB’s vision to build an inclusive and sustainable metropolis of the future. We are pleased with the newly introduced “IIB Catalyst of Change Award” for technology, innovation, and sustainability, and congratulate all the winners and participants. We look forward to witnessing their continued success as they embark on their educational journeys,” he added.

 

The Malaysian Ministry of Education (MoE) recognizes the event’s benefits and has extended its endorsement for the competition. With the support of the MoE, Malaysian students can add their participation in the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 as their extracurricular activities.

 

A section of the crowd at the event

“We are delighted to witness such overwhelming enthusiasm from our younger generation, with the participation of their teachers, as they use this opportunity for collaborative learning using the English language and STEM education among their pupils,” said Pengarah Jabatan Pendidikan Johor, Encik Md Said bin Md Daimon.

 

“We are proud of our pupils' accomplishments and grateful to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Jabatan Pendidikan Johor's strategic partner, for their commitment to inspiring and nurturing young minds,” he added.

 

With the registration to participate extended to 5 June 2023, the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 surpassed all expectations by attracting 370 school group submissions from across the ASEAN region, resulting in an extraordinary 80% increase in participation compared to the previous year.

 

Another section of the crowd at the event

This competition brought together close to 4,000 students and teachers from diverse backgrounds, with most submissions from Malaysian schools and 10% representing esteemed schools from Indonesia, Singapore, and Philippines.

 

The theme "Cities of The Future" certainly ignited the imagination of the young builders who built remarkable LEGO® creations that pushed the boundaries of innovation and creativity.

 

Winning teams that attended the prize-giving ceremony in LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort recently, had a unique opportunity to meet and interact with participants from other nations, sharing ideas, and learning from each other.

 

All eyes were on the winning LEGO creations that were on display at The Beginning, where the prize-giving ceremony was held.

 

These amazing creations not only captivated the attention of the judges with their imaginative design, attention to detail, and innovative interpretations of future cityscapes, but also that of curious park visitors and guests at the event.

 

The winning LEGO brick models will be proudly displayed at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort until mid-September 2023, to let park visitors admire and appreciate these young builders' extraordinary talent and dedication.

 

From the numerous submissions, the judging panel carefully selected 10 exceptional LEGO Builds that best embodied the spirit of the challenge. Entries were judged based on originality, innovative design, imaginative use of the theme and incorporation of sustainable elements.

 

The North Star City, a creation
that emerged Grand Prize Winner

There were five winners each in the Primary and Secondary Schools categories.

 

In the Primary category for students aged seven to 12, SJKC Keat Hwa K, Alor Setar, Kedah, emerged the Grand Prize Winner for their creation dubbed, the North Star City, a futuristic metropolis where sustainability and innovation intertwined to forge a better, brighter world. This visionary creation showcased a harmonious urban landscape committed to a greener, more promising future.

 

Sekolah Kebangsaan Kubang Kerian 3, Kelantan, was in 2^nd Place with their creation, 'Innovative Advances in Revolutionising an Alternative City,' where the captivating fusion of hydroelectricity, solar walls, and bladeless wind turbines powers a groundbreaking and sustainable urban marvel.

 

SK Tunku Azizah, Kuantan, Pahan, was in 3^rd Place with their sustainable eco-city, a remarkable fusion of innovation and environmental stewardship that aligns seamlessly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 7 and 11. It embraces cutting-edge technologies and thoughtful urban planning and crafted ultimate living spaces that ensure a harmonious and thriving community for all LEGO residents.

 

Happiness is hearing your school name being
announced among the winners!

4^th Place went to Sekolah Kebangsaan Medini Nusajaya, Johor Bahru, who created a Green Ring Metropolis that stands as a truly unique marvel, ingeniously designed to embrace advanced futuristic facilities while preserving and nurturing the urban green ecosystem in a seamless coexistence of innovation and sustainability in this extraordinary urban oasis.

 

The 5^th Place in the Primary School category went to Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Damansara, Kuala Lumpur, for their satellite city with a soaring urban landscape that reached new heights above ground and ventured deep underground, created with ingenious architecture that embraces both the skies and the depths, creating a captivating and multi-dimensional urban experience.

 

In the Secondary category for students aged 13 to 17, Campus Rangers International School, Kuala Lumpur, showcased the brilliance of a solar- powered, emulsion-free green city, equipped with cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring modern architecture, where sustainability and advancement unite in perfect harmony, to emerge the Grand Prize Winner.

 

Ateneo de Manila Junior High School from The Philippines was in 2^nd Place with their micro-scale masterpiece, an exquisite replica of Laguna de Bay, nestled on Luzon Island, created in breathtaking beauty and intricate details of an enchanting LEGO creation that pays homage to the iconic lake and its surroundings.

 

In 3^rd Place, SMK Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, created an eco-friendly LEGO marvel meticulously crafted with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as its guiding principles.

 

Sekolah Menengah St Dominic Lahad Datu, Sabah in 4^th Place created an aquatic utopia reminiscent of Atlantis, where a captivating city rises from the water's embrace.

 

Finally, 5^th Place went to Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, who created an empowering LEGO creation for the citizens of fictional Moxembourg to embark on a journey to rebuild their beloved city with resilience and determination for a brighter, hopeful future for Moxembourg.

 

The team from Sri Kuala Lumpur International
School (Primary) Kuala Lumpur, winner of the
IIB Catalyst of Change Award 2023

In addition to the top 10 winners, this year’s challenge included a special category, sponsored by Iskandar Investment Berhad, dubbed the “IIB Catalyst of Change Award.”

 

Public engagement also played a part for the creation that received the most “Likes” on IIB's social media platforms, and gained an advantage.

 

The winner of this special category which celebrates creativity in designing futuristic urban structures with a focus on emerging technology and sustainability elements, was Sri Kuala Lumpur International School (Primary), Kuala Lumpur.

 

The IIB Catalyst of Change
prize winning creation

Their creation was an integrated city which prioritizes convenience and environmental preservation, strikes a harmonious balance between essential services and the well-being of our planet.

 

The winners received prizes worth up to an impressive total of RM100,000. These prizes included an educational trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, an awe-inspiring trophy meticulously constructed from LEGO bricks, and an exclusive opportunity to participate in one of LEGOLAND Malaysia’s STEM education programs.

 

All winners will also have the privilege to attend an exclusive workshop with LEGO Master Model Builders, where they can further refine their skills and deepen their love for creating with LEGO bricks.

 

This year, the LEGOLAND School Challenge continues to receive endorsement from both the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the Ministry of Education.

 

“We firmly believe that fostering collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to reviving domestic and inbound travel, playing a pivotal role in increasing tourist arrivals and commend LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort's efforts in promoting innovative education tourism initiatives that significantly contribute to the growth of our tourism industry,” said Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan.

 

The Malaysian government's continued endorsement highlights the challenge's significance as an educational and cultural development platform.

 

One for the album: group shot of finalists at LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023

“We are proud that the LEGOLAND School Challenge has become an exceptional initiative that fosters our LEGO DNA of learning through play, extending learning beyond the confines of the classroom,” said Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Mr C.S. Lim.

 

“We are grateful for the partnership with the Malaysian government and Iskandar Investment Berhad, which has been instrumental in the success of the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023. As we celebrate this year's triumph, we look forward to continuing our partnership to drive Malaysia as a hub for educational exchange,” he added.

 

A shower of coloured confetti brings the
prize-giving event to a fitting end

The unwavering support of these ministries has allowed students to engage in hands-on learning, develop essential skills, and explore their creative potential through LEGO building.

 

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, the ultimate family-friendly destination, remains committed to hosting the LEGOLAND School Challenge as an annual event, open to international school submissions.

 

For more information about the LEGOLAND School Challenge Initiative and education programmes available in LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, parents, educators, and students can find out more on the official website. For latest updates on promotions and activities, stay connected via Facebook and Instagram.