The 2024 Intelligent Ironman Creativity Contest wrapped up Aug. 10 at National Chi Nan University in the central county of Nantou as part of ongoing government efforts to expand global opportunities for Taiwan’s high school students and promote exchanges with their counterparts around the world.
According to the Ministry of Education, the contest was first organized in 2004 and has since then welcomed the participation of nearly 140,000 local and foreign students. The nonstop 72-hour competition requires teams to combine their knowledge, physical strength, endurance and creativity to surmount challenges that give them tools and key ingredients so they can create their final project.
The competition’s 21st edition involved 28 teams from Taiwan vying for the top spot against groups from Chile, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines to showcase their problem solving and teamwork.
Los Quiltrosos from Chile won the international contest and a cash prize of NT$150,000 (US$4,620). Jellyfish Pope from Taiwan took second and third place was shared by Los Chaokaisa from Chile; Wowww, So Abstract from Taiwan; and Karsi from the Philippines.
During the award ceremony, MOE Deputy Minister Yeh Ping-cheng said the initiative aims to help participants acquire skills needed for work in the modern industrial sector. At a time when artificial intelligence is threatening to replace human tasks, it is imperative that students cultivate the ability to innovate, identify and solve problems, and understand others’ needs.
The contest also provides a great platform for local youths to sharpen their public presentation and English expression skills as they connect with the rest of the world, Yeh said. He extended a warm invitation to overseas team members to visit Taiwan again in the near future, whether for fun or work, or to pursue their studies. (SFC-E)
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from Taiwan Today – Top News