08-05-2025
SMK Penrissen No. 1 to represent Malaysia at STEM World Racing Finals 2025
SMK Penrissen No. 1 secured a Top 5 finish out of 50 teams nationwide and emerged runner-up in the Knock-Out Race Category at the National STEM Racing Competition in Melaka.
KUCHING (May 8): Armed with data-driven strategies, disciplined execution and strong teamwork, SMK Penrissen No. 1 has achieved a remarkable feat by being selected to represent Malaysia at the STEM World Racing Finals 2025, set to take place in Singapore at the end of September.
The school's F1 in Schools/STEM Racing team earned their spot at the international stage following an outstanding performance at the National STEM Racing Competition held at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Alor Gajah, Melaka last Feb 24-27.
Their selection also took into account the team's technical and innovative capabilities, which met national standards.
The team comprises four talented students: Hannah Gabriella, who leads as the graphic designer; Muhd Syafwan Awan, the design engineer and co-graphic designer; Esther Isabel, the manufacturing engineer; and Elisa Chelsea Asong, who plays a key role as the marketing manager.
SMK Penrissen No. 1 principal Abit Hong said the team's success was no coincidence, but the result of months of meticulous strategy and consistent implementation.
'This achievement proves that students from regular day schools can compete not just at the national level, but also on the international stage if given the right opportunities and support,' he said when contacted by Utusan Borneo on Tuesday.
He credited the school's strategic approach, continuous guidance and unwavering support from various stakeholders as key to the team's success.
'It also aligns with our 2025 school vision: 'Penrissen Melakar Kegemilangan, Membina Kemenjadian'.
'This is a morale booster for our entire school community and a testament that 'Penrissen No. 1' is not just a slogan, but a shared reality we are creating,' he said.
Abit added that the school played an active role in guiding the team, providing support ranging from training and mentoring to academic scheduling and student welfare.
As principal, he said he took on the roles of leader, coach, and motivator that drives strategy through the school's FUFT approach: 'Follow-Up, Follow-Through'.
'This success would not have been possible without extraordinary support from external parties such as the Padawan District Education Office (PPD), Sarawak State Education Department, and the motivational push of the 'Fly Kenyalang Fly, Fly High' spirit.
'We are also deeply grateful to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Yayasan Sarawak, Press Metal, Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), our Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and the SMK Penrissen Alumni Association, among many others who supported us, directly, and indirectly.'
On preparations for the upcoming finals, Abit explained that the team had been undergoing intensive training for months, including CAD-based car design, race simulations and aerodynamic development, technical presentation and communication drills, physical and mental training, as well as time management to balance academics.
'We also received mentorship and technical expertise from strategic partners at Swinburne Sarawak and Unimas, both of which have strong engineering and technical faculties,' he added.
Abit said the school is heading to Singapore with a clear mission — not just to compete but also to proudly carry the name of SMK Penrissen No. 1 and Sarawak onto the global stage.
'Allow me to draw from the wisdom of China's legendary strategist, Sun Tzu: 'Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat'.
'With the spirit of 'One Team, One Dream', I believe our students can shine not only in Singapore but on the world stage. Penrissen No.1 – We Plan to Succeed, We Fight to Win!' he said.
Additionally, he also believes that beyond the competition, the experience will help the students grow, build character, and pave the way for the next generation. Kuching lead SMK Penrissen No 1 STEM World Racing Finals 2025
