Kuala Lumpur, [7th October 2025] – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur (UTM KL), through its Puthiya Manitha Program, successfully conducted a series of four robotics workshops across four Tamil schools: SJKT Batu Caves, SJKT Bukit Darah, SJKT Telok Datok, and SJKT Kuang. The initiative marked a significant step in bringing robotics and STEM education directly to primary school students, impacting 172 young learners through hands-on activities, teamwork, and innovation. Advisors and facilitators from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence have been actively involved in this initiative.
The workshops were designed to introduce students to robotics using LEGO EV3 Mindstorms kits, combining interactive learning with problem-solving challenges. Each school benefited from a unique approach tailored to inspire creativity and build confidence in STEM.
Highlights from the Four Schools
SJKT Batu Caves – First Step Towards Robotics
The program began at SJKT Batu Caves, engaging over 50 students with six robotics activity stations. Students explored basic robot movements, sensor applications, and robotic arms before competing in a final race challenge where they designed their own EV3 robots.
Caption: Students at SJKT Batu Caves work in teams to build robots, exploring the basics of programming and design.
SJKT Bukit Darah – Creativity in Action
The next phase, SJKT Bukit Darah, emphasized problem-solving and innovation. Students were tasked with designing lightweight, efficient robots capable of completing specific challenges. The collaborative activities encouraged creativity, resilience, and logical thinking.
Caption: Several teams of students at SJKT Bukit Darah test their robots on the designated track as part of the robotics activity
SJKT Telok Datok – Building Confidence Through Coding
At SJKT Telok Datok, students were introduced to programming obstacle courses, where robots had to navigate tracks using sensors and precise coding. For many, it was their first coding experience, boosting their confidence in technology and computational thinking.
Caption: Facilitators at SJKT Telok Datok teach students how to program their robots using block coding before attempting the obstacle course challenge.
SJKT Kuang – Innovation and Teamwork
The final workshop at SJKT Kuang celebrated teamwork and creativity. Students engaged in group challenges that required both design and coding, culminating in a showcase where each team presented their robot solutions.
Caption: Facilitators at SJKT Bukit Darah brief their student groups on the challenge, where participants must collaborate and program their robots to successfully navigate the track.
Beyond Robots: Shaping Future Innovators
While robotics was the core activity, the workshops focused on developing broader skills essential for the future. Students learned critical thinking, resilience, teamwork, and communication while discovering the joy of STEM exploration. The initiative aligned with Malaysia’s vision of nurturing a technologically skilled generation ready to embrace the challenges of the 21st century.
Every participant received a UTM-certified certificate of participation and a stationery set as recognition of their enthusiasm and commitment.
Crew Members and Acknowledgements
The success of the Puthiya Manitha Program was made possible through the tireless dedication of 18 PMH Club volunteers, under the guidance of Program Advisor, Dr. Pritheega Magalingam from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI). The volunteers are undergraduates from the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence (FAI), Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology (MJIIT), and UTMSPACE:
- Shamalan Vellu Thavar (FAI)
- Dakshina Narrayana Selvavinayagam (FAI)
- Risikesan Yogeswaran (FAI)
- Niveeshana Balachandran (FAI)
- Nehavathi Vallmurugan
- Sivagami Rekha Sharma
- Virocchan S. Elankoven (FAI)
- Saveetha Shree Suresh (FAI)
- Adithya Danasagaran
- Tamil Elilan Kanaisan
- Rahiesh Karan Danasagaran
- Kanesh Shanker (FAI)
- Jagadesh (FAI)
- Kirtanan Mani Maran (FAI)
- Kiruthya Thinagaran
- Logapriyah Sivakumar
- Thatchaiyini Machap
- Logine Siva Kumar
Special thanks to the school administrators, teachers, community members, PMH UTM Advisor; Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Shreeshivadasan A/l Chelliapan who supported the workshops, as well as Dr. Sathiabama T. Thirugnana, who attended and encouraged the participants.
Looking Ahead
The Puthiya Manitha initiative represents just the beginning of a larger vision to expand STEM outreach programs. Building on its success, the program has paved the way for ROBOMANIA 2025, a large-scale robotics event that will continue to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.
This initiative showcases UTM KL’s unwavering commitment to community engagement, empowering young learners through education, technology, and creativity.
📌 Prepared by:
Shamalan Vellu Thavar (PMH President), Dakshina Narrayana Selvavinayagam (Secretary), Risikesan Yogeswaran (Exco Program), Kurithya Thinagaran (Exco Program), Dr. Pritheega Magalingam (Program Advisor), Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Shreeshivadasan A/l Chelliapan (PMH UTM Advisor).
