KELANTAN, 12 June 2026 (The Capital Post) – Politeknik Port Dickson emerged as the overall champion of the 19th Malaysia Federation of International Robot-sports Association (FIRA) Cup 2026, showcasing excellence across multiple categories focused on robotics, automation and smart technologies.
The achievement was announced during the tournament’s closing ceremony officiated by Higher Education Ministry secretary-general Datuk Ts. Dr. Aminuddin Hassim, who stressed that mastery of smart technology, automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is crucial in transforming Malaysia from a technology consumer into a competitive creator of homegrown robotics solutions.
According to a Facebook post by Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi, the championship attracted 1,465 participants from educational institutions across Malaysia and abroad, reflecting growing interest among young people in robotics and future technologies.
Aminuddin said the success of the winners and the strong commitment shown by participants demonstrated the competitiveness of Malaysia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talent in meeting the demands of the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Held under the theme “Robotics Igniting Future Solutions”, the tournament featured 41 local contingents and one international contingent from Politeknik Negeri Batam, Indonesia, further strengthening cross-border collaboration and knowledge-sharing in technical education.
The competition included categories involving humanoid robots, robot sports and automation-based solutions, underscoring KPT’s commitment to promoting STEM and high-impact TVET education in line with the “Reformasi POLYCC Memacu Lonjakan TVET Negara” agenda.
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The ministry also called for stronger Triple Helix collaboration involving government, academia and industry to ensure student innovations and research outcomes can be commercialised for broader societal and economic benefits.
KPT noted that the successful organisation of the championship further strengthens confidence in the capabilities of the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (JPPKK), which is preparing a bid to host the 32nd FIRA RoboWorld Cup and Summit 2027 in Canada.
Also present were JPPKK director-general Dr. Shamsuri Abdullah, JPPKK senior director (Academic) and FIRA Malaysia Chapter president Dr. Mohd Daud Isa, Politeknik Kota Bharu director Ts. Hj. Mohd. Hisham Makhtar and senior JPPKK officials.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to elevating TVET as a progressive pathway for producing future innovators equipped with creativity, technological expertise and problem-solving skills. – The Capital Post
