1. BACKGROUND
Since 2019, Malaysia and the rest of the world have faced serious threats due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, issues such as climate change, environmental pollution caused by human activities, marine debris, plastic pollution, and various other factors have contributed to the degradation of environmental quality and increased risks and losses from disasters. Numerous warnings from experts indicate that the state of the Earth is deteriorating at a rate much faster than expected. Therefore, efforts to promote environmental preservation and disaster prevention can no longer be delayed or taken lightly.
In response to these challenges, the Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, has organized a special event in collaboration with Tzu Chi Malaysia and BoniO Inc. through the PaGamO online gamification learning platform, with the support of various environmental groups and government agencies. The primary objective of this event is to raise public awareness regarding environmental knowledge and disaster prevention through a game-based learning (gamification) approach. This method interactively combines online learning with offline experiments, ultimately translating knowledge into real-world action.
2. COMPETITION OBJECTIVES
a. To increase students’ interest and appreciation for our beloved Earth and the environment through the use of interactive and fun online video games.
b. To enhance students’ knowledge and interest in environmental preservation and raise awareness regarding the importance of environmental sustainability.
c. To strengthen interaction and relationships between students, teachers, and parents through collective involvement in this competition as a positive collaborative effort.
d. To encourage the effective use of technology in the teaching and learning process, in line with 21st-century educational developments.
3. BENEFITS
Participation in the PaGamO Competition provides various benefits to students and schools, including:
e. Enhancing the school’s image as a progressive educational institution that supports innovation in 21st-century teaching and learning.
a. Enhancing students’ understanding of environmental preservation concepts through interactive and enjoyablelearning experiences.
b. Boosting student motivation and interest in learning by utilizing engaging and challenging gaming elements.
c. Strengthening cooperation, communication, and social skills among students through teamwork activities throughout the competition.
d. Providing a platform for teachers to engage students in innovative, creative, and practical learning activities.
4. EVENT COMMITTEE
f. Sponsors: Local sponsors (to be announced)
a. Lead Organizer: Centre for Global Sustainability Studies (CGSS), Universiti Sains Malaysia
b. Co-Organizer 1: Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Kampar Campus)
c. Co-Organizer 2: Centre for Education and Training in Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, and Green Technology (CETREE), CGSS, Universiti Sains Malaysia
d. Assistant Organizer: Penang Green Educators Association (GREW)
e. Advisory Support: Tzu Chi Malaysia Bonio Inc., Taiwan
