By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING, June 11: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is targeting at least 150 primary school pupils to participate in its inaugural “Smart Kid, Smart City Challenge—RoboWalk 2026”, which will be held on July 18 at MBKS Boulevard during the annual Kuching Festival.
The programme, themed “Innovate, Decorate, Parade, Inspire”, aims to nurture creativity, confidence and artistic expression among children while promoting innovation and Smart City awareness.
Children aged between seven and 12 years old are eligible to take part in the RoboWalk parade, where participants will design, decorate and showcase robot-themed costumes, props and wearable robotic creations.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the entries are expected to reflect themes of innovation, sustainability, environmental responsibility and Smart City concepts.
“This event marks an important milestone in MBKS’ mission to build a child-friendly and future-ready city by empowering children to actively participate in shaping their community,” he said during a press conference today.
Wee said the initiative forms part of the Kuching South Child-Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI) Action Plan, which focuses on children’s participation, innovation, digital literacy and Smart City development.
Describing RoboWalk as a first-of-its-kind programme for the city, he said it combines children’s participation, STEM education, robotics, creativity, innovation and Smart City awareness on a single interactive platform.
“RoboWalk empowers children to explore technology, build confidence and develop creative problem-solving skills.
“It also helps children develop essential skills such as creativity, teamwork, communication, confidence and problem-solving, which are important for the future economy,” he said.
The programme is organised in collaboration with STEM Academy Sdn Bhd and the Kuching South Child Council.
Winners will receive trophies, certificates and cash prizes of RM500, RM400 and RM300, while 30 consolation prize winners will receive RM50 and a certificate each.
Registration for the Smart Kid, Smart City Challenge—RoboWalk 2026 is now open and will close on July 12.
Also present at the press conference were MBKS deputy mayor Dato Zaiedi Suhaili, Smart Kid, Smart City Challenge—RoboWalk 2026 organising chairman Cr Eric Tay, and representatives from STEM Academy Sdn Bhd. — DayakDaily
