FameLab Malaysia 2023, a regional STEM presentation competition organised by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT), concluded on October 1 at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU). In this competition, three out of APU's 26 participants secured places among the top 11 finalists.

The event brought together 46 carefully selected FameLab candidates from diverse backgrounds and universities, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Their challenge was to take to the stage and deliver a captivating three-minute presentation that not only inspired and educated but also entertained, all in an effort to revolutionise how STEM technology is presented and understood.

Ejjaz Hakimi Mohamad Azan, Howard Ngu Wen Hao, and Tung Yung Jian, three students from APU's Diploma in Information & Communication Technology programme, showcased their outstanding communication skills by securing a spot in the Top 11.

This achievement highlights their prowess in effectively conveying complex scientific concepts. As a result, Ejjaz, Ngu, and Tung have earned the opportunity to participate in a two-day intensive masterclass led by Dr. Quentin Cooper, a prominent UK expert in science public speaking, at Le Meridian Hotel in Putrajaya.

The Top 11 contestants will now vie for the chance to become Malaysia's international representative on October 20. They will face off against competitors from 30 other countries for the opportunity to win a trip to London, UK, and gain international recognition.

These talented students, along with the 23 other APU candidates, received guidance and mentoring from two lecturers from the School of Foundation (SoF), Ms. Iman Danish, Ms. Nurjahan Othman, and Ms. Nur Azliyana.

The journey to this success began on September 29 with a closed mentoring session led by the head judge, Mr. Kamarul Bahrin, and a former FameLab champion, Prof. Dr. Abhi Veerakumarasivam.

The heart of FameLab Malaysia 2023 unfolded on September 30 and October 1 during the Regional Heats. Participants from various universities eagerly took the stage to present their chosen scientific topics, which ranged from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT to the science of sleep.

FameLab Malaysia 2023 serves as a testament to the universal appeal of science communication. It highlighted that passion, curiosity, and the ability to convey complex ideas engagingly are not limited to a particular field of study.

The contestants demonstrated their commitment to presenting scientific concepts in an accessible and captivating way, earning their well-deserved spots among the top finalists.

FameLab Malaysia 2023 celebrated the remarkable diversity and talents of its participants, who came from various academic backgrounds and interests. This event reinforces the idea that effective communication of scientific ideas transcends disciplinary boundaries, empowering individuals from all walks of life to engage with and contribute to the fascinating world of science.