The IMU Science Discovery Challenge: Cultivating an Interest in Science

This year, the annual Science Discovery Challenge took place in a virtual format, with Study Hub serving as the online host on behalf of the International Medical University (IMU). The event drew the participation of 1680 individuals from Pre-U category and 3074 students from secondary schools across Malaysia, inclusive of all 13 states and 3 federal territories. Among the participants were aspiring dentists, the Chong twins, Davin and Dennis, who are currently enrolled in IMU’s Foundation in Science programme.

To raise awareness about the Challenge, various quizzes and engaging interactions with the audience were conducted via Facebook Live. Following this, the preliminary round was held from 5 June to 2 September, 2023. Subsequently, the top-performing participants advanced to the highly demanding and competitive final round, where they contended for the enticing prizes on offer.

In the end, Ker Wei Han from SM Kuen Cheng emerged as the victor in the secondary school category, while among IMU’s own 17 FIS participants in the Grand Finale, both Chong twins performed admirably; Davin Chong Ming Jian emerged victorious in the Pre-University category, and twin brother Dennis Chong Ming Jian, secured the first consolation prize in the same category.

Davin relished his time spent on this challenge. He said, “It was a great opportunity for us to stay curious and explore the fascinating world of science!”

Available to both pre-university and secondary school students, the IMU Science Discovery Challenge has been meticulously crafted to cultivate a deep fascination for the sciences within this demographic, in alignment with the initiatives spearheaded by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Additionally, the challenge seeks to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge of subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics that students acquire in the classroom, and their practical applications in our everyday existence.

“Through active engagement, whether it be face-to-face or virtual, and firsthand involvement in fundamental scientific activities that find relevance in their daily routines, students are afforded the opportunity to gain a genuine appreciation for current-, emergent-potential and applications of the sciences. It is our hope that this experience will ignite their enthusiasm and provide them with the inspiration to pursue a diverse array of careers in the field of healthcare and other STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields.” said Prof Chin Beek Yoke, Organising Chairperson of the Challenge and IMU’s Dean of Industrial Partnership & Engagement.

Winners of the IMU Science Discovery Challenge

SCHOOL CATEGORY

CHAMPION
1ST RUNNER UP
2ND RUNNER UP
3RD RUNNER UP
4TH RUNNER UP
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
CONSOLATION
BEST BIOLOGY
BEST CHEMISTRY

Ker Wei Han
Ong Khai Yang
Michael Bryansarita
Tee Wei Loon
Yin Jiaxuan
Tan Mei Xin
Ho Vyn-Ben
Khor Ru Yan
Chun Meng Hao
Aisyah Sofea Binti Zahari
Aditya A/L Senthil
Lin Zhang Xian
Hiew Jing How
Wong Ting Rong
Daphne Chieng Joo Ting
Karishma Mahindran
Lin Zhang Xian

SM Kuen Cheng
SM Kuen Cheng
SM Kian Kok
SM Chong Hwa, KL
SMK Damansara Jaya
SMK Convent
SMK Seafield
SMJK Perempuan China P Pinang
SMK Seri Mutiara
SMK Ibrahim
Stella Maris International School
SM Kuen Cheng
SMK Katholik (M)
SMK Tinggi Sarikei
SMK Green Road
SMK Puteri
SM Kuen Cheng

PRE-UNIVERSITY CATEGORY

Davin Chong Ming Juan
Ong Zhi Hsuen
Tan Chuen Keat
Tan Vu Eun
Kelvin Ng Kah Kit
Dennis Chong Ming Jian
Ong Jun
Lim Zi Xuan
Quah En Yao
Koh Wai Kei
Choo Minhyeong
Pang Emma Evelyn
Goh Yi Wei
Lau Tze Yin
Jared Ong Kang Jie
Quah En Yao
Kelvin Ng Kah Kit

International Medical University
Sunway College Kuala Lumpur
Sunway College Kuala Lumpur
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
Sunway College Kuala Lumpur
International Medical University
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
SM Han Chiang
SMK Taman Tasik
Inti International College Penang
UCSI University
SM Kian Kok
Pusat Genius@ Pintar Negara, UKM
Inti International College Penang
Pusat Genius@ Pintar Negara, UKM
SMK Taman Tasik
Sunway College Kuala Lumpur