ASEAN’s Top Young LEGO Builders Compete in the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 to Create the Cities of the Future

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort with Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), has announced the 11 winning school groups in the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023, which received 370 proposals from ASEAN countries. The event drew about 4,000 kids and teachers from various backgrounds, with the majority from Malaysian schools and 10% from Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Young builders were inspired by the theme “Cities of the Future” to create astonishing LEGO creations that pushed the boundaries of ingenuity and creativity.

The “IIB Catalyst of Change Award,” sponsored by IIB, is a special category in the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023. The prize recognises innovation in the design of futuristic urban structures that use emerging technology and sustainability components. 

Entries were rated on their creativity, unique design, imaginative theme application, and incorporation of sustainability. Public participation was essential with the project with the most likes on IIB’s social media platforms gaining a competitive advantage. 

With their original design, meticulous attention to detail, and creative reinterpretations of future cityscapes, the winning LEGO creations mesmerised the judges.

The winners of the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort STEM competition earned prizes worth RM10,000 to RM100,000. These included a field trip, a LEGO-built trophy, and an exclusive chance to take part in one of LEGOLAND Malaysia’s STEM education programmes. In addition, winners were invited to an exclusive workshop with LEGO Master Model Builders to improve their abilities and passion for constructing with LEGO bricks. 

The winning LEGO brick models will be displayed at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort until mid-September 2023, allowing guests to appreciate the young builders’ extraordinary talent and dedication.

This year, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and the Ministry of Education have endorsed the LEGOLAND School Challenge. The Malaysian government’s continuing support emphasises the challenge’s importance as an arena for educational and cultural growth. These ministries’ constant support has enabled kids to engage in hands-on learning, gain essential skills, and explore their creative potential through LEGO building.

“The LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 marks a significant milestone as it has successfully attracted schools from the entire region for the first time. We are thrilled to witness our young builders’ outstanding creative abilities, showcasing their talent and positioning Malaysia as a prime destination for educational and cultural exchange in the region. We commend LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort’s efforts in promoting innovative education tourism initiatives that significantly contribute to the growth of our tourism industry. We firmly believe that fostering collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to reviving domestic and inbound travel, playing a pivotal role in increasing tourist arrivals,” Khairul Firdaus bin Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture in a statement said.

“We are delighted to witness such overwhelming enthusiasm from our younger generation, with the participation of their teachers, as they use this opportunity for collaborative learning using the English language and STEM education among their pupils. We are proud of our pupils’ accomplishments and grateful to LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, Jabatan Pendidikan Johor’s strategic partner, for their commitment to inspiring and nurturing young minds. We hope that the winners will enjoy learning at the exclusive educational programme endorsed by the Ministry of Education, engaging in hands-on learning, unleashing imagination, and developing essential skills for their future endeavors,” said Md Said Bin Md Daimon, Pengarah Jabatan Pendidikan Johor. 

“We are honoured to witness the remarkable growth and success of the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 with international recognition. Our young builders have showcased remarkable creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork among themselves. We are proud that the LEGOLAND School Challenge has become an exceptional initiative that fosters our LEGO DNA of learning through play, extending learning beyond the confines of the classroom. From the bottom of our hearts at LEGOLAND Malaysia, we would like to congratulate all winners and participants for their effort in each unique LEGO creation. We are grateful for the partnership with the Malaysian government and Iskandar Investment Berhad, which has been instrumental in the success of the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023. As we celebrate this year’s triumph, we look forward to continuing our partnership to drive Malaysia as a hub for educational exchange,” shared CS Lim, Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. 

“As the main partner for the LEGOLAND School Challenge 2023 and the catalytic and strategic developer of Medini, Iskandar Puteri, IIB and LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort share the vision of nurturing young minds, fostering innovation and cultivating sustainable communities in our region. This year’s theme, “Cities of the Future” resonates deeply with IIB’s vision to build an inclusive and sustainable metropolis of the future. We are pleased with the newly introduced “IIB Catalyst of Change Award” for technology, innovation, and sustainability. We congratulate all the winners and participants and look forward to witnessing their continued success as they embark on their educational journeys,” Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Iskandar Investment Berhad said. 

The LEGOLAND School Challenge will continue to be held annually at the LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and is open to foreign school submissions. 

LEGOLAND School Challenge Initiative and education programmes information in LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort can be found on its official website.