KUBANG PASU: Four pupils of SK Darulaman Heights here have made the country proud by winning the top spot in the Primary School Science category of the recent World Mathematics & Science Olympiad (WMSC) 2024 in Bogor, Indonesia.
The team's accompanying teacher, Norlailawati Abd Razak, said the triumph was even sweeter because of her pupils' outstanding performance, securing three gold and one silver in the individual science quiz competition.
"This achievement was truly unexpected, as it was the first time our teachers and pupils participated in this championship.
"During the event, which took place from Nov 1 to 4, Malaysia sent 24 participants, eight of whom were from Kedah, including these four students from our school. The competition featured participants from Malaysia, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
"Malaysia won all the categories it competed in, with our four pupils excelling to win the Best Team award in the Primary School Science category.
"Adding to our pride, one of our students, Ahmad Hafiy Ukashah Khairul Faizi, 11, clinched a silver medal in the individual science quiz," she told reporters today.
The three other SK Darulaman Heights pupils who won gold medals in the same category were Airell Qhaliff Zubir, Eishan Elias Rosidi and Mohamad Wafiy Mohamad Shahizan, all aged 12.
Another teacher accompanying the students, Faizah Romli, said the pupils not only excelled in the academic quiz, but also showcased the nation's pride in a silat choreography performance in traditional Malay attire.
"In terms of academics, the students faced significant challenges as the questions were based on secondary school syllabi for Forms 1, 2, and 3, yet they managed to complete them brilliantly.
"Additionally, each team had to present a cultural performance representing their country, and our four students delivered a dynamic silat performance in full traditional attire," she said.
SK Darulaman Heights headmaster Mafezzul Mohamad was thankful for the win, despite the pupils having two weeks only of preparations before heading to Indonesia.
He also commended the support from parents, some of whom were willing to cover expenses and assist the teachers in preparing the pupils for the event.
"Their exceptional results, despite limited preparation time, reflect the dedication and commitment of both teachers and pupils.
"I am extremely proud of all of them, and we plan to strengthen our Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programme.
"We aim to encourage our pupils to excel in robotics and prepare a team to compete in related competitions, including international events in the future," he added.