KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) in partnership with the ExxonMobil Subsidiaries in Malaysia, have launched National Science Challenge (NSC) 2016 as part of their efforts to promote, nurture and enhance interest in science, technology and innovation amongst young minds. The competition is open to Form Four or 16 year old science stream Malaysian students from public, private and international schools. Three students are required to form a team, and schools may register any number of teams online via www.nsc.my
 
The grand prize is the Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the winning team to attend the Nobel Lectures and witness the prestigious international Nobel Prize Awards ceremony during a one-week study visit to Stockholm, Sweden accompanied by their mentor teacher. The first, second and third runner up winners will receive an invitation to participate in the Sakura Science Exchange Programme in Japan.
 
“NSC continues to be an intellectual and inspiring platform for young minds to not only test their classroom learning and STEM (science, technology, engineering & mathematics) quotient, but to also experience the application of STEM knowledge through rigorous activities. NSC programmes also help improve their team dynamics and critical thinking abilities, which are essential for success in the corporate world. Beyond its competitive spirit, NSC inspires many students to pursue a promising and rewarding career in one of the STEM disciplines,” said See Kok Yew, Chairman of the ExxonMobil Subsidiaries in Malaysia.
 
The online registration will close on 17 April 2016. Students are expected to participate in the preliminary level online quiz, which will be open from 18 to 21 April. The five top-scoring teams from each state will be shortlisted to compete at the state level. The winning teams from all 13 states including three federal territories will then participate in a one-week residential science camp at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in Bangi. During the camp, participants will learn research methods and work collaboratively to deliver sound research projects. From thereon, four of the best teams will compete in the grand finals and be tested on their ability to relate scientific theories to occurrences in daily life. The finalists will also be required to deliver a presentation of a prescribed science topic, along with a model built using materials provided.
 
“The NSC, which has been running for 28 consecutive years, aims to create awareness in STEM, and to stimulate curiosity and desire for excellence in STEM among the young generation. NSC also gives the opportunity for the students to learn science in a fun way as science is not only theoretical but is also about discovery of new knowledge,” said Hazami Habib, Chief Executive Officer of Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
 
ExxonMobil has been supporting the NSC since 2012, with a cumulative contribution of more than RM1.6 million. The competition is endorsed by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Education.
 
About the Academy of Sciences Malaysia
The Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) came into force on 1 February 1995 and was established under the Academy of Sciences Act 1994. ASM strives to be the ‘Think Tank’ of the nation for matters related to science, technology and innovation (STI). ASM promotes and fosters the development of STI and provides a forum for the interchange of ideas among scientists, engineers and technologists. Some of its many functions include promoting national awareness, understanding and appreciation of the role of science, engineering and technology in human progress; promoting creativity among scientists, engineers and technologists; and promoting national self-reliance in the field STI.

ASM also provides advisory consultancy to the Malaysian government on STI, foster a culture of excellence in STI, and upgrades technological capability in Malaysian industries.
 For further details, please visit www.akademisains.gov.my
  
About ExxonMobil in Malaysia
The ExxonMobil subsidiaries in Malaysia are a group of companies which have business activities which include upstream production of oil and gas, business support services and marketing of chemical products. In the upstream, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc. operates more than 30 platforms in 12 producing fields and has a working interest in another 10 platforms in five fields in the South China Sea. These fields collectively produce about 15 percent of the nation’s crude oil and condensate and supply about 50 percent of Peninsular Malaysia’s natural gas needs.  The Business Support Centre entity in Malaysia provides IT services and engineering/technical support for ExxonMobil’s upstream, downstream and chemical facilities worldwide. ExxonMobil Chemical Malaysia Sdn Bhd has a strong market position, supplying a portfolio of specialty products. For more information, please visit www.exxonmobil.com

SOURCE : ExxonMobil 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
ExxonMobil
Name : Jocelyne Shu
Communications & Media Advisor 
Tel : 603-4815-2484 / 012-6515251
Email : jocelyne.sm.shu@exxonmobil.com

ASM
Name : Shahridzal Aizat Shahrum
Corporate Relations Executive 
Tel : 603-6203 0633 / 019-2228912
Email : aizat@akademisains.gov.my

--BERNAMA