Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin

Last Wednesday marked an exciting day at Politeknik Sultanah Bahiyah, Kulim as I had the privilege of being an advisor and judge at the 2023 RBTX regional competition in the Northern zone. This event brought together over 130 teams vying for spots in the final competition for line tracing and sumo challenges. What struck me most was the incredible diversity among the competitors, ranging from 5-year-olds to adults.

Over the past five years, I’ve witnessed a significant shift in the way participants enter these competitions – not just through schools but also through specialized learning centers. These centers see these competitions as a platform to showcase their modules, products, and training, and it’s been a joy to witness how competitions can bring out the best in everyone involved.

Competitions have always served as a powerful extrinsic motivator. They push participants to strive for excellence, to refine their skills, and to do whatever it takes to come out on top. However, my dream has always been to see intrinsic motivation spark within these young minds. I believe that when young learners begin to see the value in the challenge itself, they take their journey to a whole new level.

As I observed the young participants, I couldn’t help but notice that they fell into two distinct categories. The first group was here solely to win the competition. They treated the robot as a black box – a means to an end. Their focus was on the victory, and they were willing to do whatever it took to achieve it. The second group, on the other hand, valued the challenge itself. They approached robot design as a white box, delving into the intricacies of how things worked, and relishing the learning process.

It’s crucial to understand that these two categories don’t necessarily correlate with age. Instead, they reflect the maturity of these young participants. Some may find their intrinsic motivation early on, while others may need time to discover the joy of learning for its own sake. Both approaches are valid and valuable, contributing to the growth and development of these budding engineers and problem solvers.

As custodians of these young minds, we play a crucial role in their journey. Whether we are trainers, teachers, or parents, our involvement can make all the difference. Some come to cheer and motivate, which is wonderful, but there are also those who take it to another level. They actively engage with these young learners, nurturing their curiosity, and encouraging them to explore the inner workings of their robots. It’s these mentors who often inspire the next generation of innovators.

The 2023 RBTX regional competition was not just a showcase of technical prowess but a testament to the potential within each young participant. It reaffirmed my belief in the power of competitions to drive excellence and foster a love for learning. As we continue to support these budding engineers and scientists, let us remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether they see the robot as a black box or a white box, what truly matters is that they are on a path of discovery, growth, and endless possibilities.

We recently spent our school holiday in Penang and embarked on an exciting journey into the world of automobiles, experiencing two riveting films: “Gran Turismo” and “Ferrari vs. Ford.” These movies, seen through the eyes of a simulator driver and a mechanic, offered us unique insights into the thrilling automotive universe.

“Gran Turismo” propels viewers into the heart of racing through the eyes of a simulator driver, delivering an electrifying ride. If you’re an aficionado of racing simulations, “Gran Turismo” is a feast for the senses. The film achieves a remarkable level of realism, immersing you in the cockpit with lifelike driving physics and awe-inspiring visuals. From the thundering engines to the screeching tires, the film captures the sheer intensity of competitive racing, keeping you on the edge of your seat with a taste of the thrill of high-speed battles on the track. As a simulator driver, you’ll resonate with the protagonist’s relentless pursuit of perfection, dedicating themselves to mastering every aspect of racing, from nailing the perfect racing line to executing precise braking.

In contrast, “Ferrari vs. Ford” offers a window into the intricate world of car mechanics, focusing on the minute details that bring these machines to life. As a mechanic, you’ll appreciate the film’s keen attention to the historical backdrop of the Ford-Ferrari rivalry. The meticulous recreation of era-specific cars and engineering intricacies adds depth and authenticity to the narrative. The movie sheds light on the inventive minds and dedicated mechanics behind the creation of the Ford GT40, showcasing the painstaking effort required to craft a car capable of challenging Ferrari’s legendary vehicles. Moreover, “Ferrari vs. Ford” celebrates the passion and craftsmanship integral to building and maintaining high-performance automobiles, serving as a reminder that beneath the allure of speed, there exists a team of skilled individuals pouring their hearts into their craft.

Shelby’s iconic line in Ford vs Ferrari, “You can’t win a race by committee,” resonates with the idea that while teamwork is crucial in many aspects of life, there are situations where swift, decisive action is paramount. It emphasizes that sometimes, bureaucratic processes and excessive deliberation can hinder progress and prevent the achievement of goals, particularly in fast-paced and competitive environments like racing. In such scenarios, a leader or an individual with the authority to make quick decisions can make all the difference between success and failure. It’s not about disregarding teamwork or collaboration but recognizing that certain situations demand a clear and immediate course of action. Shelby’s words serve as a reminder that effective leadership and the ability to make swift, informed decisions are essential traits, especially when time is of the essence and victory hangs in the balance.

Both “Gran Turismo” and “Ferrari vs. Ford” offer distinct yet equally captivating perspectives on the world of automobiles. Whether you are an enthusiast of racing simulations or a connoisseur of the artistry behind car engineering, these movies provide a remarkable cinematic experience. They offer a comprehensive view of the passion, dedication, and innovation that drive the automotive world, both on and off the racetrack. Enjoy these thrilling automotive narratives!