The FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a renowned robotics competition where secondary school students form teams to design, build, and programme robots to complete unique tasks each season. With teams hailing from all around the globe, including Australia, the United States, India, and many more, the FTC Asia Pacific Open Championship (APOC) stands as an international platform that brings together over 40 teams in a thrilling display of innovation and skill.

Over the summer in July 2023, our team, “Starburst”, had the privilege of participating in this exhilarating four-day competition. Nine students from S1-S5 under the Electronics and Robotics team embarked on this journey, guided by our dedicated teacher-in-charge, Dr. Y.W. Man, and we embarked on this journey, ready to showcase our abilities and learn from the diverse array of teams gathered for this event.

The APOC commenced with an awe-inspiring opening ceremony and friendship night, setting the stage for teams to exhibit their unique qualities to one another. Each team had the opportunity to take the spotlight and present something that showcased their team’s essence. Starburst decided to rewrite the lyrics of a popular song, infusing it with references to our daily tasks within the robotics team. Clad in star costumes, symbolizing our team’s name, we delivered an energetic performance. Other teams brought forth skits, dances, trivia quizzes, and even live band performances, with some incorporating elements of their respective local cultures: the African team mesmerized us with their traditional dance and music, while the team from Kazakhstan delighted us with their local treats and snacks. The atmosphere was brimming with excitement and camaraderie as we learnt about each other’s cultures and traditions, forging connections that would last beyond the competition.

Undoubtedly, the most exhilarating aspect of the entire trip was the highly anticipated competition itself. Having dedicated nearly a year to strategizing, preparing and refining our robot designs, we were determined to showcase what our creation could achieve. It was a privilege to work with our robots alongside other competitors who shared our aspirations; the determination and passion radiated from the serious faces of every participant. The shared aspiration that resonated within the room deeply touched and motivated every member of our team, inspiring us to push ourselves to new heights and give our absolute best. The competition was about more than just securing a trophy; it embodied the culmination of countless hours of teamwork, perseverance, and dedication. Witnessing the unity among the teams, all striving towards the same goal and giving their utmost for the collective achievement, was truly inspiring.

While the competition was intense, it was heartening to observe that all teams embraced the core value of FTC: Gracious Professionalism. Amidst the pursuit of excellence, humility and generosity prevailed. FTC extends beyond robotics; it aims to promote STEAM education and foster the sharing of knowledge and experience with others. Hence, amidst the pursuit of excellence, the overall atmosphere was unfailingly warm, friendly and welcoming. Whenever a team sought assistance, others would humbly and generously step forward to offer their support. This spirit of camaraderie and willingness to generously share knowledge exemplified qualities that we all should aspire to embody.

Through engaging with other teams, we had the invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, learn advanced engineering skills, and explore cutting-edge technologies. We discovered innovative techniques, such as programming unique coordinate systems to track robot movements. Moreover, we learnt a lot from the seemingly small, yet ingenious and significant additions to other teams’ robot designs, which exemplified the true essence of “thinking outside the box.” For instance, by incorporating a differential mechanism into their designs, some teams’ robots could demonstrate higher flexibility and a better ability to overcome obstacles that arose from their initial designs. We were challenged by the creativity and imaginative problem-solving evident in their design solutions.

After the intense competitions concluded, we were fortunate to have some time to explore Sydney and its attractions. We delighted in visiting the Koala Park Sanctuary Sydney, where we had the unforgettable opportunity to interact closely with kangaroos and koalas. Additionally, we savored the local Australian seafood at the fish market and deepened our understanding of STEAM education through the exhibits at the Powerhouse Museum.

This journey not only enhanced our technical skills but also helped us forge unbreakable bonds within our team. Amidst late-night robot maintenance and preparations for presentations, we stood united in the face of challenges posed by unfamiliar environments, language barriers, and other unforeseen circumstances. The fun memories and deep friendships we cultivated during this trip will undoubtedly remain etched in our hearts for years to come. Armed with the experience and knowledge gained from this journey, we have returned deeply inspired and determined to continue striving for excellence. We aim to integrate our newfound insights into our team’s development, ultimately becoming stronger contributors to the FIRST community alongside the more experienced teams.

In summary, our participation in the FTC Asia Pacific Open Championship was a transformative experience. It provided us with a platform to showcase our talents, learn from teams worldwide, embrace diverse cultures, and strengthen our unity as a team. We are filled with the deepest gratitude towards our teacher-in-charge, Dr. Man, whose exceptional leadership and unwavering support guided us through this remarkable journey. Thanks must also be expressed to our coach, Mr. Ice Yam, for not only offering his expertise in robotics and presentations, but for his mentorship and care for our emotional wellbeing. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to the FIRST organizers in Australia for orchestrating this meaningful event, which brought together teams from around the world, fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the participating teams, whose sportsmanship and collaborative spirit were truly inspiring. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Lau for her unwavering support of the Electronics and Robotics team, granting us the freedom to explore the fields of engineering and robotics and providing us with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand our horizons abroad.