KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Lo Khere Chiang has praised the participants of the Fifth International One Belt One Road Science and Technology competition who have varying learning disabilities.
Lo, who represented Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, said that three of the eight participants in the competition have Asperger’s syndrome, dyslexia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“I would like to congratulate the eight students between the ages of eight and 18 from Stapok Enrichment Centre, Kuching and Star Hub Academy, Bintulu who have been selected to represent Malaysia.
“I would also like to commend the two learning centres for believing that learning should not be hindered if parents can fully participate and work together with the learning centre for the betterment of the students,” he added.
Lo was officiating at the Fifth International One Belt One Road Science and Technology Competition at Kuching Waterfront on Sunday (Nov 14).
He explained that the competition was participated by 90 countries around the globe, It was organised annually and hosted by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technologies of the People’s Republic of China; China Association for Science and Technology; Chongqing Municipal People’s Government and The People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
He added that the participants had won the shortest time taken to build Space Maker Radiosonde three weeks ago.
“This event allows students to cooperate with the best of their age at the international level, share ideas and study cutting-edge knowledge in science labs of top schools in China through hands-on experience and teamwork under the guidance of experienced teachers and scientists.
“Should these students win the competition, they will be eligible to attend a student exchange programme that will enable them to study space-related sciences with scientists in China.
“This is by far one of the great opportunities for students to be exposed internationally and to expand their horizon in being innovative, creative and progressive in their learning,” he said, adding that the competition was held virtually in shared learning resources and practices due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Lo.
Before flagging off the competition, he also encouraged young students throughout Sarawak to take this programme as an encouragement for them.
“I am sure that there are more students who are similar to the participants here in Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole.
“And I believe that if today’s organisers can make this event a success by putting Sarawak on the world map and bring fame for us, then everyone can do it as well,” he said.
