International Science Drama Competition (ISDC) 2018 - Malaysian Finals and International Grand Finals

Although it has been more than a month, we are still buzzing with excitement thinking about the Malaysian Finals and International Grand Finals that happened on the 30th of June and 14th of July, respectively. For the Malaysian Finals, which were held at the KDU University College Glenmarie campus, we saw six teams from primary schools, coming from four states, namely Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Negeri Sembilan. The six teams were vying for two spots to go to the International Grand Finals, which is, of course, an enormous matter for the participants. It was indeed a full house on the competition day, with the total of 360 pax of participants, supporters, and audience. The judges had a tough task, which was to decide on the best two teams that would represent Malaysia in the International Grand Finals. The teams were assessed on the scientific content of their play, performance of the cast, their creativity, as well as their overall performance. Here are some of the moments captured during the event:

After much deliberation, the judges had agreed to select Team Infinity F.I.T.T from SJKT Masai, Johor as the 1st place winner, and Team Bone Bonkers from SK Sri Petaling as the 2nd place winner, representing Malaysia in the Primary School category for the International Grand Finals. During the Malaysian Finals, we had also invited the winners for the Open category, to honor them during the prize-giving ceremony. And two weeks later……

It was the International Grand Finals! Held at the same venue as the Malaysian Finals, we were nervous to host participants and judges coming from Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Philippines, and China. Everyone was in such a competitive mood, but at the same time was so happy to be in Malaysia! It was a day full of drama, dazzling costumes, and impressive performances, with again, full house of 360 pax of the most cheerful, energetic crowd. Why not we let the pictures do the talking…

Scenes from the Primary School Category:

Meanwhile, for the Open Category:

The participants had to work hard, as their performance was assessed by six judges, one from each science centre, namely Science Centre Singapore, Oil & Gas Discovery Centre Brunei, National Science Museum Thailand, The Mind Museum Philippines, Science Beijing Network China, and Petrosains. The prizes at stake for both categories: USD 450 for 1st place, USD 300 for the 2nd place, and USD 150 for 3rd place. Out of six teams competing in the Primary School category, we are proud to announce that MALAYSIA WAS CROWNED CHAMPION! Team Infinity F.I.T.T. from SJKT Masai, Johor managed to snatch the first place! Team Sport On!, from Singapore came in second, and Team Varee Young Scientist Club from Thailand won the third place. Our Open Category representative did not disappoint either. Team The Warriors (Malaysia) took the third place, second place was won by Team Science Fillet from Brunei, and the first place was awarded to Team Theatre Club Nanyang from Singapore.

We sure are glad that everything went well, and we hope that this event will be a memorable one for each and every person involved.

Thank you for reading!

Shared by Nurhayati Zulkifli

Guest Blogger

nurhayati.zulkifli@petronas.com.my 

Integrating Creative Drama Into Science

Once, there was a saying, ‘If you are an artist, learn science. If you are a scientist cultivate art.’ Science and arts are just like a reflection of each other in the mirror because both are human attempts to understand and describe the world. In spite of the difference in equipment and terms, science and arts exist to change our perception of the world.

In Petrosains, we believe that the communication process of science can be further enhanced by introducing artistic elements. Hence, Petrosains had started the partnership with Science Centre Singapore as the Malaysian organizer for the International Science Drama Competition. This competition is an annual event whose main objectives include promoting science through drama. It involves teams from primary schools in Singapore, Malaysia, China and the Philippines.

At the Malaysian level, the Science Drama Competition was organized by Petrosains in partnership with KDU University College, EduNation and Association of Science and Technology (ASTI). As a partner, KDU University College had conducted a science drama boot camp at KDU University College, Glenmarie as well as providing mentoring assistance to the top 10 participating teams prior to the competition. Meanwhile, EduNation provided online support for the competition and ASTI reached out the schools to encourage participation in this competition.

The Malaysian Finals was held at Petrosains, The Discovery Centre on May 13th, 2017 with all top 10 teams from all over Malaysia competing to be the top 3 teams to represent Malaysia at the international finals. In commemoration with 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, the theme of this year’s International Science Drama Competition was ‘Sustainable Tourism’.

The theme can be simply defined as an industry which attempts to make a low impact on the environment and local culture while at the same time providing assistance in generating income, employment, and conservation of local ecosystems.  Each team were required to present a short drama about 7 minutes with science and drama content based on the theme.Each team’s performances were judged based on scientific content, cast performance, overall presentation, and creativity.

Team Dragon Rangers from SK Bandar Baru Bangi emerged as the first place winner in their performance, Creatures from the Depth, which emphasized on responsible tourism. Meanwhile, team Matrix Private School who won the second place with their skit, The Missing Malayan Tiger stressed the importance of protecting and conserving wildlife.  The third place winner, Team Tempe! decided to focus on food preservation and encouraged support towards local delicacies through the culinary tourism in their drama, Microbes: The Good and Bad Side.

The top 3 teams represented Malaysia in the Grand Finals in Singapore on June 3. The Grand Finals was held at Science Centre Singapore. Team Dragon Ranger of SK Bandar Baru Bangi clinched the second prize with SGD400 of prize money and also the Outstanding Performer Award at the Grand Finals in Singapore. On the other hand, the other two Malaysian teams; team Matrix Private School and Team Tempe from SK Pekan Nenas each won a  Merit Award. Both teams received SGD100 each. 

Overall, the International Science Drama Competition 2017 has met its objective; to promote science through drama. All teams not only managed to leave with newfound knowledge and appreciation towards sustainable tourism but also gain invaluable acting skills and understanding of the beautiful art of drama. 

Shared by Celine Woon

Guest Blogger