WSMB 2025 IoT Pra Competition Ignites Innovation at MITC, Melaka

MELAKA, June 14, 2025 – The Malaysia International Trade Centre (MITC) in Melaka buzzed with innovation and futuristic ideas from June 10th to 13th, 2025, as it played host to the highly anticipated WSMB 2025 IoT Pra Competition. Held in conjunction with Hari TVET 2025, this event served as a crucial precursor to the WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) Pra Competition, showcasing the immense talent and groundbreaking potential within Malaysia's burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT) landscape. As a national competition, WSMB is specifically designed for participants aged 21 years and below, fostering young talent in vocational and technical skills.

The four-day event kicked off on June 10th with a dedicated site setup day. The competitive phase began on June 11th with 14 teams, followed by another 11 teams on June 12th, bringing the total participation to a robust 25 teams. The final day, June 13th, was dedicated to the critical judging process, where experts meticulously evaluated the team performances via submitted videos. In parallel, a popular "Try-A-Skills" session was held, allowing visitors to get hands-on experience with basic IoT concepts and demonstrations.

Organized in collaboration with leading technology institutions and industry partners, the competition challenged participants to design, develop, and present innovative IoT solutions. The core of the competition involved prototype development leveraging microcontrollers such as Raspberry Pi and ESP32. Teams skillfully integrated a variety of sensors, including Ultrasonic, DHT (humidity and temperature), contact, and MQ2 gas sensors, along with essential components like RFID modules, push buttons, and LEDs. A key technical requirement was the implementation of MQTT communication protocols and the design of intuitive data visualization through Node-Red dashboards.

The atmosphere was electric as teams demonstrated their prototypes. Solutions showcased a diverse range of applications, including smart home automation for lighting control using LEDs, sophisticated surveillance systems that triggered webcam photo captures upon ultrasonic detection when an alarm system was enabled, and crucial safety systems designed to detect gas leakage and activate a siren. "The level of creativity and technical prowess displayed by the participants this year was truly exceptional," remarked Dr. Aisha Rahman, head judge and a prominent figure in Malaysia's digital economy, praising the young innovators' tangible solutions.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the event fostered a collaborative environment, with workshops, networking sessions, and expert talks providing valuable insights into emerging IoT trends. The WSMB 2025 IoT Pra Competition, held successfully in conjunction with Hari TVET 2025, underscored Melaka's growing prominence as a hub for technological advancement and innovation. The insights gained and the talent discovered are expected to significantly contribute to the discourse and developments at the WorldSkills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) final competition in 2026, reaffirming Malaysia's commitment to nurturing a vibrant ecosystem for future-ready technologies, particularly among its youth.