KUCHING: Programmes and activities related to astronomy will continue to spark enthusiasm among young people, said Assistant Minister of Youth Development, Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He pointed out advanced countries like the United States of America had capitalised on their space exploration and astronomical knowledge to develop many products such as the GPS system, satellite photography, non-stick pan and many other items for the benefit of the people.
“As such, being advanced in the field is beneficial,” he said at the closing ceremony of the state-level AstroKuiz, a quiz competition on astronomical knowledge at Planetarium Sultan Iskandar here yesterday.
“Astronomy should be encouraged in Malaysia and more youths in Sarawak should be encouraged to cultivate a strong interest in the subject,” he added.
Karim congratulated the planetarium and the Sarawak Astronomy Association for staging the inaugural quiz competition, saying more such events should be organised from time to time and more schools should conduct similar programmes to enhance interest in the field.
The quiz competition was held in conjunction with the state’s 50th anniversary celebration of independence within Malaysia.
It was held in two stages in four zones. Zone 1 made up of Kuching and Samarahan for company, Zone 2 Sri Aman, Betong and Sarikei, Zone 3 Sibu, Kapit and Mukah while Zone 4 had Bintulu, Miri and Limbang for company.
The final yesterday saw Zone 1 winner SMK Batu Kawa, Kuching, Zone 2 winner SMK Kai Chung, Bintangor, Zone 3 winner SMK Luar Bandar No.1, Sibu and Zone 4 winner SMK Kidurong, Bintulu vying for the champion.
Each school was represented by four students.
There were also side competitions, including the Astro Challenge (Rocket Competition) and lucky draws at the final which started at 8.00am.
Also present at the event were Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Social Development Affandi Keli, Sarawak Astronomy Association President Datu Romie Sigan Daniel and students from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
SMK Kidurong was ajudged the champion with SMK Kai Chung and SMK Luar Bandar Sibu No.1 first and second runners-up respectively. SMK Batu Kawa was the sole consolation winner.
SMK Kidurong was led by teacher Nur Aini Azahari and represented by students Nurul Asyiqin Bt Ibrahim, Nur Husnina Asyura Bt Mezelan, Andiana Ilam Ak Smak and Sarah Ak Paul. They received RM10,000 cash and a challenge trophy.
All the participating students were each given a trophy and a certificate of participation.
In the Astro Challenge Rocket Competition, the champion in the creative category was Tunazian Rocketeers Group, followed by Orion Hebula Group, second and Fabulous Fabians Group, third.
The champion in the parachute category was Kasanova while Tunazians Rocketeers and Stari were first and second runners-up respectively.
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