Petrosains Science Drama Competition 2024 by The Ministry of Education and Petrosains is a drama competition that serves as a platform for pupils and teachers to showcase Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) learning through the medium of drama as well as to apply and hone the 4Cs essential skills; critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating, needed for the future workforce. The performance must combine scientific content and elements of drama through the use of the English language.

Objectives

• To promote and spark interest towards STEM learning through the medium of drama in promoting integration and moral values.
• To stimulate creativity and innovation skills among pupils and teachers in delivering STEM content to improve STEM literacy.
• To encourage the use of English language and enhance pupils’ English proficiency.
• To allow pupils and teachers to showcase their scientific knowledge with dramatic flair which incorporates script writing, directing, stage management and other technical aspects.
• To provide the opportunity to compete at international level.

The theme for 2024 is “Global Sustainability: Nations in Action”. The competition aims to promote and advocate our key partner, PETRONAS’ effort in complementing the nation’s efforts for the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission by The Year 2050. This is aligned with the NETR and PETRONAS’ sustainability goals.

Examples of some possible topics include but are not limited to the following:

1. Energy Efficiency
2. Renewable Energy
3. Hydrogen
4. Bioenergy
5. Green Mobility
6. Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

COMPETITION INFORMATION
Q: Can teachers be in charge of multiple groups?
A: We highly encourage 1 teacher for 4 students for Primary School Category and 1 teacher for 6 students for Secondary School Category during the throughout competitions at the Malaysian level and also internationally

Q: What is the theme of this competition?
A: The theme is “Global Sustainability: Nation in Action”. More info in the competition circular here.

Q: I’m a rural schoolteacher from an under-enrolled primary school. Must the pupils be in Year 4 – 6 only?
A: Yes, Year 4 – 6 only.

Q: Which teachers should be in charge of the competition? Science or English teachers?
A: It can be collaborations between English and Science teachers. Teachers from other subjects can participate too. It depends on the arrangement by the schools.

Q: Are teachers’ participation compulsory in the drama or an option?
A: One teacher MUST accompany 4 students for Primary School Category and 6 students for Secondary School Category; therefore, it is compulsory for teachers to participate. However, teachers can only be the crew and not part of the cast.

Q: Can parents be involved in the competition?
A: Yes, especially if the teams do not have enough accompanying teachers.

Q: What is the minimum number of casts?
A: There is no minimum number of casts. The maximum cast, however, is 12 pax.

Q: Can a non-government school join this competition?
A: Yes, the competition is also open to private schools, international schools, clubs, and societies, homeschools, and other educational institutions. However, participants will need to fulfill the requirements set by the Organisers and manage their own expenses for this competition.

Q: How do I get the latest announcement or info about this competition?
A: Kindly click the following link to join the WhatsApp Community

Q: Would there be certificate of participation awarded to participants?
A: Yes, all participants will be issued a State Level participation certificate if the submission for participation is complete.

Q: What is the minimum number of minutes for the video recording for submission?
A: There’s no minimum number of minutes. 7:00 minutes is the maximum duration.

Q: Regarding the musical element, is singing and dancing allowed?
A: Yes, musical performance is allowed. We highly recommend participants to read through the judging rubrics highlighted in the competition circular here.

Q: If our school succeeds in going to the Zone Qualifying and Grand Final (live staging), should it be the same drama that we do in the State Level?
A: Yes, students will need to perform the same drama throughout the whole competition.

Q: How many entry forms should I submit if I’m sending more than one team?
A: Kindly submit one entry form per team. For example, if School A is sending 2 teams, School A should submit a total of 2 entry forms. Note: Should a school decide to register more than one team, there should be no repetition of cast members across the teams.

Q: Where is the competition?
A: Zone Qualifying:-
Northern Zone (Perlis, Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak): Kedah
Central Zone (WP Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, WP Putrajaya): WP Putrajaya
Southern Zone (Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, Johor): Johor
Eastern Zone (Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan): Terengganu
SQL Zone (Sarawak, Sabah, WP Labuan): Sabah

PSDC 2024 Grand Final: WP Putrajaya
ISDC 2024 Grand Final: Beijing, China

Q: Where can we watch the past year PSDC?
A: You can watch the recording from Discover Petrosains YouTube Channel here

Q: Does the credit to the source need to be in the video itself or should the list be in the script only?
A: Editing is not permitted for the video; therefore, all credit must be included in the script itself. Please refer to the script templatehere).

Q: What is the range of acceptable video quality? 720p to 4K?
A: The submitted video recording must be at a minimum of HD Quality 1280×720 resolution with an aspect ratio of 16:9 (landscape only).

Q: How scientific should the script be? Do we need to include facts and figures?
A: It depends on the team’s creativity. If you find the facts and figures are significant for your storyline, you may do so.

Q: Is panning or zooming in/out allowed for the video recording?
A: Zooming or panning during recording is not allowed by any means.

Q: So, only one static view of the whole stage during the video recording for submission?
A: Yes.

Q: Are green screen and CGI allowed?
A: Editing, including the use of green screens, is not allowed for the video recording. However, CGI (Computer-Generated Imagery) created before the performance and projected onto the backdrop during the performance is permitted.

Q: Is digital backdrop allowed?
A: Yes. Digital background can be used for a performance to enhance storytelling onstage.

Q: Can the backdrop use LCD projection?
A: Yes, highly encouraged. However, please take note that all digital backgrounds, presentations, and audio must be clearly visible in the video recording. The full performance recording must be done in a single continuous shot and should not be edited.

Q: Is the use of microphone allowed? Like wireless microphones that TikTokers use these days in producing their content?
A: Yes, microphones are allowed as long as the devices can capture the sound produced at its best.

Q: Can we record a few parts and then use software to combine all the video into one single video?
A: No, we will only accept a single shot live video recording only.

Q: Must the performance be recorded while on stage?
A: It is best to have the performance recorded on stage. If your school does not have a stage, you can use any closed space, such as a classroom, library, or any other suitable area within your camera’s range.

Q: Some schools in Sarawak do not have stage facilities. Any other options instead?
A: If there’s no stage, it is advisable to shoot at an area that is within your camera’s suitable range in a classroom, library, etc.

Q: For the video recording, do we need to record the whole stage (still camera) or can the cameraman be creative as to move around, zooming in/out during certain scenes?
A: Yes, you need to record the whole stage (still camera). Moving around and zooming in and out throughout the scenes are not allowed.

Q: How do I introduce the cast in the single shot video recording?
A: No cast introduction required. The 7-minute recording should focus exclusively on the drama, without any cast introduction.

For full details, kindly download and read through the full competition circular here.