BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) presented its sponsorship to Team BulaBots, a group of four students from the University of the South Pacific who will represent Fiji at the FIRST Global Challenge Robotics Competition in Singapore on October 7-10.
BSP Country Head Haroon Ali commended these individuals, adding that their support of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is to empower young innovators to tackle critical issues dealing with clean water, energy, and environment.
“We are witnessing how STEM can pave the way for brilliant young people to excel in solving real-world problems while gaining exposure at an international stage,” he said. “As a Pacific Bank, we know too well the impact of these critical issues. That’s why, as a leading financial services provider that strives to deliver innovative banking solutions, we recognise the importance of supporting the next generation of innovators and their passion for science and technology.”
The FIRST Global Challenge Robotics Competition often likened to an “Olympic-style event” for robotics, sees young individuals aged between 16 and 18 from across the globe come together to design, build, and program robots that address pressing real-world challenges related to clean water, energy, and environmental sustainability. This year, Team BulaBots, under the mentorship of Dr. Utkal Mehta and Ashneel Chand from USP, will be showcasing their talents on the international stage.
“The contribution from BSP will go a long way in assisting Team BulaBots as they prepare for this globally significant event, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills, ingenuity, and dedication to addressing critical global challenges,” said Professor Uktal. “These young robotics enthusiasts will also be great advocates for STEM and encourage more interest from their peers around the country to take up the challenge of taking up technical sciences”.
The FIRST Global Challenge is an international robotics competition aimed at inspiring and engaging young people, between the ages of 16 and 18, in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
