A Journey of Innovation and Inspiration – Mosaic Connections (2024)

• AAMEP, Alumni Blog, Newsletter - June 2024
• •
• June 21, 2024

by Ilylia Kamaruzaman, AAMEP 2022

Founder, Roboticist, Malaysia

As I sit here reflecting on the journey that brought me to where I am today, I can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude and awe. The path to success is never easy, but it’s the challenges we overcome and the lessons we learn along the way that truly define us. Robotics Learning, the company I founded in 2009 with my siblings, is not just a business—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the human spirit.

Our journey began with a profound realisation of the absence of sustainable and impactful STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs tailored to empower young minds for their future in the workforce. Determined to bridge the rural-urban divide, we embarked on a mission to establish an initiative that would not only cultivate skills in robotics and STEM but also cater to students with special needs. After a year of dedicated research, Roboticist was born—a platform designed to ignite passion and foster innovation among the youth. Our efforts culminated in a structured curriculum, nurturing students of all ages, as well as strategic partnerships with leading robotics education providers worldwide. Annual robotics championships became a cornerstone, propelling Malaysia’s finest talents onto the global stage, exemplifying our commitment to excellence and inclusivity.

But our journey was not without its obstacles. We faced scepticism from investors, resistance from traditionalists, and countless setbacks along the way. Yet, with unwavering determination and a belief in our vision, we persevered.

Nevertheless, the profound impact on the lives of our students has been the driving force propelling us forward. Recently, we had the privilege of reuniting with two former students, Muhammad Anas Hasnul and Ali Imran Mohd Salleh, whom we’ve mentored since their early teen years. Both of these young men came from humble beginnings – Anas studying at a rural school, while Ali studied at a under-resourced public school with limited access to STEM opportunities.

Anas attributes his personal and professional growth to his early involvement in robotics, noting how it cultivated his problem-solving mindset and teamwork skills. These qualities have been instrumental in his role as a researcher at a global consulting firm, where he addresses complex industrial issues across diverse sectors. He credits his mastery of programming, developed through robotics projects, for his success in academia and professional endeavours, including high-profile projects for clients like the Prime Minister’s Office of Malaysia.

Anas reminisces about his most cherished moment: representing Malaysia and clinching an award at the prestigious 2013 VEX Robotics World Championship in Anaheim, California. This achievement not only filled him with personal pride but also honed his project management and client interaction skills, playing a pivotal role in his flourishing career in the consulting industry.

Another former student, Ali Imran, attributes his career trajectory to his introduction to robotics at age 14, which solidified his career path by age 15. Traveling across Malaysia with Roboticist, engaging with students nationwide, and meeting dignitaries significantly bolstered his confidence. Ali, once reserved, now identifies communication skills cultivated during workshop tours as pivotal to his career growth.

Ali expresses that the “think, design, build” concept instilled at Roboticist remained ingrained in his mind, fostering creativity and critical thinking essential for engineering. He emphasised the structured yet creative approach necessary for engineering success and highlighted his role as a liaison between technical and sales teams.

Ali reflects on a challenging year when he had to represent Malaysia solo, compounded by a delayed arrival of the competition kit. Undeterred, he responded by improvising, constructing game elements, and modifying his robot, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability. Despite collecting fewer rings than other teams, his robot consistently performed exceptionally well in autonomous mode, highlighting the practical skills refined through hands-on experience.

Both graduates, armed with degrees in robotics engineering, emphasise the critical role of corporate investment in nurturing human capital and fostering organic development to guarantee enduring sustainability. They passionately advocate for a reassessment of the misconception surrounding the high cost of STEM, illuminating the substantial dividends reaped from investing in talent. As Ali passionately asserts, corporate and government backing is indispensable in cultivating a diverse pool of innovators poised to tackle global challenges and spearhead positive change. His own struggles to secure sponsors during his student days serve as a poignant reminder of the transformative impact of strategic investment in human potential.

The skills and experiences acquired through early engagement in robotics have proven pivotal in shaping a dynamic and successful career for both alumni. Their professional journeys are propelled by a blend of technical expertise, creative thinking, and collaborative spirit instilled through robotics education. Despite their high achievements in recent years, neither graduate has forgotten the power of their experience with Roboticist programs. They have both remained actively engaged as mentors and teachers, sharing their love of robotics with many young rural students in Malaysia over the years.

In the end, our story is not just about robots or technology—it’s about the power of human potential to change the world. As we continue to shape future innovators, we are reminded that the true impact of education lies in empowering individuals to realise their full potential.