Intel inspires innovators at the Penang International Science Fair

STRAITS QUAY, Tanjung Tokong, Penang, April 23, 2013 - Thahnuhshah Arumugam had always dreamed of being a scientist and at the Penang International Science Fair, she took a step closer to that dream. Taking part in Intel’s TRIZ for Kids Workshop, a class which teaches attendees how to create solutions by analyzing and troubleshooting problems, she gained valuable skills which allowed her to be more creative and analytical in her thinking and even emerged as a winner in one of the contests.

Thahnushah was not the only student to take one step closer to achieving her dream. Over the course of two days, the PISF saw over 30,000 visitors attending various events and taking part in activities, all in the name of science. It was a notable achievement for the fair which was organized by Agilent Technologies, the Penang State Government and the Penang Science Cluster Pillar Leads – Intel, Motorola, B Braun and Mini-Circuits.

(From L-R) Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of the State of Penang; Robin Martin, Managing Director, Intel Malaysia; engaged in the Sand to System showcase demonstrated by SS Seh, Design Engineering Manager, Intel Malaysia.

Soo Seng Seh, Design Engineering Manager, Intel Malaysia, who volunteered at the Sand to System booth mentioned, “It feels great to teach these kids what they’ve always wanted to know and to inspire them to do bigger things. If only the PISF was around when I was younger, I would have been overjoyed to attend a fair like this!”

Students from SMK Haji Zainul Abidin observing the Perceptual Computing demo.

Mohd Sharizat Mahmud, a teacher from SMK Haji Zainul Abidin, echoed the same sentiments, “Back in my day, the only fairs we got to attend were fun fairs – now our kids can have fun and learn new things at the same time! I think that initiatives like these are a great way to expand the minds of our future generation while letting them have fun as well.”

Lim Chin Seng, Intel Architecture Group (IAG), Intel Malaysia, presenting to students from SMK Haji Zainul Abidin about the Sand to System showcase.

Robin Martin, Managing Director, Intel Malaysia announced, “We are pleased to be one of the 53 sponsor companies participating and part of the 1,400 volunteers in the PISF this year, which was a great success. The PISF may only be in its second year and yet we have seen a marked improvement in the turnout and participation from the students and general public. We certainly look forward to a bigger and better fair next year when it comes around again.”