Host Country: Malaysia

Foreword from the Director General of Education Malaysia

Malaysia is a unique country because of its multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-lingual society. The three biggest ethnic groups, Malay, Chinese, and Indian as well as many other ethnic groups are living harmoniously together as one family. Our national language is Bahasa Malaysia, but you'll be pleasantly surprised that we speak good English too as well as our mother tongues!

The twenty-first century is the dawn of a new era and thus brings forth a host of new challenges. It is no longer enough to rely on critical thinking skills alone. Students need to develop and strengthen their creative and interpersonal communication skills which are essential for twenty-first century living, especially in the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

It is my belief that robotics is a great platform for students to hone these essential skills right from a very young age, because of the engineering and programming aspects which are involved. Both have huge room for a student's creativity and imagination. What's more the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) has given students an accessible, equal playing field to gain, learn, and test their knowledge at the world stage, something which will impact the rest of their lives positively.

In year 2012, Malaysia will have the honour of hosting the WRO. WRO has proven to be successful in razing students' interest in Science, Technology, and Robotics over the years globally. It was made known to me that 22 more countries participated in 2011 compared to 2005! Through WRO, students will gain confidence in their abilities to use technology in an innovative way and see how it is relevant to their future. I am glad to see that more and more children around the world are getting involved in this great event.

As hosts to WRO 2012, we welcome all participants to Malaysia with pride. With its rich diversity of cultural experiences and traditions, Malaysia is a land of warmness filled with friendly and fascinating people. You will be greeted with our gracious hospitality, and I'm sure WRO 2012 will be a great success. Welcome to Malaysia.

Thank you.

Dato' Sri Abd Ghafar Bin Mahmud

Director General of Education Malaysia