NSC 2026 REGISTRATION OPENS, OFFERS PM’S CHALLENGE TROPHY

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- Registration for the 2026 National Science Challenge (NSC) opened yesterday (Feb 12) and will run until April 1, inviting secondary school students aged 13 to 16 nationwide to compete for the chance to win the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy.

The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) said in a statement that the competition, organised by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), aims to boost students’ interest in science, with registration open at nsc.my.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia’s shift to a high-tech, knowledge-based economy requires more innovative, problem-solving Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workers.

“NSC provides a strategic platform for students to discover their potential, develop scientific thinking, and contribute to the country’s future,” he said.

NSC 2026, themed Memantapkan Asas Sains untuk Masa Depan yang Berdaya Tahan dan Inklusif (Strengthening the Foundations of Science for a Resilient and Inclusive Future), encourages students to tackle real-world challenges and apply STEM knowledge to create practical, sustainable, and inclusive solutions, including for issues like climate change, food security, and public health.

Meanwhile, ASM president Datuk Dr Tengku Mohd Azzman Shariffadeen Tengku Ibrahim said NSC’s success is measured not by participation alone, but by how it inspires students to view science as a tool for social change.

“ASM believes science should address real-world challenges. We aim to nurture students who are not only academically strong but also able to make a meaningful impact on their communities,” he said.

For NSC 2026, schools are encouraged to enter multiple teams of three students and a teacher mentor each.

The competition begins with a general knowledge test in biology, physics, chemistry, and maths, with the top five teams from each state advancing to solve experimental challenges testing scientific and communication skills.

The 16 semifinalist teams will attend a month-long hybrid Science Camp with mentorship from academics and industry experts, before the top five advance to the finals, which will be judged on a science quiz and experimental presentations.

The NSC 2026 winner will receive the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy, a fully funded overseas study tour, an NSC scholarship, and other prizes, while all participants get certificates credited for national Physical Activity, Sports and Co-Curriculum Assessment scores.

NSC 2026 is supported by strategic partners, including the Ministry of Education, Majlis Amanah Rakyat, Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Sasbadi Online, and e-estidotmy.

-- BERNAMA