LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort recently announced the 11 winners in its second annual LEGOLAND School Challenge, powered by Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), its most prominent sponsor. The LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 saw 370 submissions from across the ASEAN region.

This year’s LEGOLAND School Challenge continues to receive endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and the Ministry of Education.

“Through our partnership with the Ministry of Education, participating students could count their submissions towards their extra-curricular activities, encouraging more Malaysian students to engage in this out-of-classroom learning experience,” said the divisional director at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, C.S. Lim.

Almost 4,000 students and teachers participated. Most entries are from Malaysia, with 10% from Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. The theme this year was “Cities of The Future”.

“By nurturing the creativity and innovation of our young talents through the LEGOLAND School Challenge, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future where education and tourism complement each other,” said the deputy minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.

During the contest’s first year, it received 200 submissions from schools nationwide, and 12 winners were selected. The theme was “Pride of Your State”.

The judging panel selected 10 winning LEGO Builds (five from primary school and five from secondary school), and one additional entry was awarded the “IIB Catalyst of Change Award”, sponsored by Iskandar Investment Berhad.

“The Challenge encapsulates this philosophy, extending beyond the traditional classroom to offer hands-on, experiential learning. It fosters a tangible understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, more aptly known as STEM education, bringing to life the theoretical concepts they learn in their textbooks,” said the chief investment officer of Iskandar Investment Berhad, Haris Hardi Zakaria.

Entries were judged based on originality, innovative design, imaginative use of the theme, and incorporation of sustainable elements. Lego Creations, which received the most likes on IIB’s social media platforms, was given an advantage.

All LEGO Creations submitted used only original LEGO and DUPLO bricks. They are mounted on a 60 cm by 60 cm board with a maximum height of 120 cm (1.2 m). It also implies that all LEGO Creations submitted were built using bricks supplied by the school, teachers, and students.

The winners received prizes worth up to RM100,000. These prizes include an educational trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, a trophy meticulously constructed from LEGO bricks, and participation in one of LEGOLAND Malaysia’s STEM education programs. All winners will also attend a workshop with LEGO Master Model Builders.

The winning LEGO brick models will be displayed at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort until mid-September 2023.

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort will continue to hold the LEGOLAND School Challenge as an annual event and open it to international school submissions.