With their entertaining drama titled ’Aviation Revolution Journey to Sustainability’ inspired by the urgent need to mitigate the effects of climate change, Team Drama Llamas from SK Setiawangsa Kuala Lumpur defeated other teams from the region to win the top prize in the junior category of the International Science Drama Competition (ISDC) 2023. This is the third time Malaysia has won the international competition, after winning the title in 2018 and 2019 consecutively.
Hassan Ali Rayyan Hirman Falani from Malaysia also took home the Outstanding Performer prize for the junior category at ISDC. The 12-year-old was also recognised as the Petrosains Science Drama Competition’s (PSDC) Most Outstanding Performer.
Held at the CW Tower in Bangkok, Thailand on 10th September, teams from all over the Asian Region battled it out on stage and presented a seven-minute drama based on the theme of ’Producing Green, Consuming Green’. The competition is organised by the Asia Pacific Network of Science and Technology Centres (ASPAC), of which Petrosains, The Discovery Centre is a member.
The winning team represented Malaysia after winning the PSDC on 4th July 2023 held in Kuala Lumpur, in which they won an all-expenses paid trip to compete in the international competition in Bangkok, Thailand. PSDC is jointly organised by Petrosains and the Ministry of Education, Malaysia.
As PETRONAS’ social impact arm in the pillar of STEM education, Petrosains’ involvement in PSDC is part of its contribution to the nation in support of the Government’s aspiration to develop a future generation of critical thinkers who are scientifically inclined.
The competition was first held in 2016 as the Malaysian Finals of ISDC. It was later renamed as the Petrosains Science Drama Competition in 2019. The objective of the competition is to promote science through drama amongst the younger generation. The mechanics of this competition is reflective of Petrosains’ learning approach where different techniques such as performing arts are used to spark interest, inspire passion in science and encourage creativity among students.
Meanwhile, participation for the international competition was opened to teams comprising of students from primary schools under the primary category and members of the public for the open category. Participants are required to form a maximum of 15 cast members and perform on stage a skit for not more than seven minutes which must combine scientific content and drama. The theme for this year’s competition was “Producing Green, Consuming Clean” commemorating 2023 as the International Year of Millets and aligning with global concerns about sustainability. The performances were scored based on scientific content, cast performance, overall presentation and creativity.
Ezarisma Azni Mohamad, Chief Executive Officer of Petrosains said, “We are extremely happy that our Malaysian team was named the winner of the competition. We are equally proud of all our young participants here today, who showcased great talent and understanding of the concepts of science and sustainability through their performances.
The presentations today are testament to the fact that arts enrich the learning of science, and that science through drama can make the experience more meaningful for all those involved. It also gives young people the opportunity to explore activities beyond the usual classroom environment to better understand and remember science concepts, making the whole learning fun and enjoyable. I am also thankful for the full support of PETRONAS that has been instrumental in our success in both the local and international competitions and to the Ministry of Education for jointly organising the competition with us.”
As winners of the primary category of ISDC 2023, Drama Llamas from SK Setiawangsa took home a cash prize of 15,000 baht (approximately RM1977.00). The second place went to Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School Drama Club, Singapore and the third place went to Dara Beginning, Thailand.
