Pythaverse, Southeast Asia’s very first collaborative metaverse learning system, was launched at the Next-Gen Digital Learning Forum in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The launch was officiated by Yang Berhormat Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation. As the first educational metaverse to be openly available for students, educators, and schools, Pythaverse aims to provide access to robotics-assisted learning across the region.

Using digital twin technology, the platform incorporates real-time data to create virtually simulated scenarios for students to design and test hands-on solutions. This simulation-driven digital classroom aims to enrich the learning experience for K-12 students (ages five to 18) with more creative, hands-on problem-solving to complement textbook knowledge.

Highlighting the vital role of evolving learning systems in developing young minds in the digital era, YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang said: “As global education and technology becomes more competitive, so too must the tools we provide to the young generations leading us into the future. Early exposure to technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and the emerging concept of the metaverse will digitally transform the learning environment into a more collaborative, engaging one — an experience that MOSTI believes will give young Malaysians a competitive edge as they grow up in the digital era.”

Pythaverse has a special focus on design thinking and global competencies. The open & interoperable platform also offer Leanbot, an educational digital twin robotics hardware specialising in computational thinking and STEM education for the metaverse era.

The platform’s “classverse” is also backed by a wide range of virtual tools that allow for seamless interaction between learners in the metaverse, including cloud-based tech, Internet of Things (IoT), the 1-student-1-robot system, and even an integrated learning management system to track a learner’s progress.

“Pythaverse is the fruit of the joint effort from ASEAN educators and technologists. With the platform, we seek to empower the youth of ASEAN with next-gen learning — where students learn not only from educators but also from each other. Instead of just consuming knowledge, students will also become resource creators. With the help of AI and cloud tech, learners within the Pythaverse will have the latest immersive tools at their fingertips, giving them access to the resources they need to challenge themselves with creative solutions to real-world problems. We’re not just revolutionising the educational experience to be fun; we are also making it more impactful,” said Nguyen The Trung, founder of Pythaverse, at the platform’s exclusive demonstration during the Next-Gen Digital Learning Forum.

The Next-Gen Digital Learning Forum brought together industry leaders, technologists, and educators from across the ASEAN region to explore conversations on technology-powered learning. With the key focus set on the educational metaverse, the panel discussed the post-pandemic spotlight on enhancing global STEM education, as well as insights on how Malaysian educators can prepare its students to better match the profile of a successful global citizen by 2030.

Both the forum and Pythaverse launch took place alongside the 18th International Robothon Competition 2023. Organised by Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Eduspec Sdn. Bhd., the Robothon was sponsored by 5T3M, with the support of the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Marking the competition’s return to physical format for the first time in three years, the main aim of the event was to train young minds to develop real-world solutions using robotics. This year’s theme, Second Earth, focused on space colonisation, where 30 participating teams from across ASEAN built and presented robot projects that could complete simulated tasks in space.

Pythaverse’s integrated Leanbot system was featured within the winning projects, alongside other robotics systems like Lego and Vex. This brings the total number of participants to 101 teams (258 participants), including 39 Leanbot teams, 44 Lego EV3 and 18 VEX.

Pythaverse will be made available to the public on 27th March 2023 on both mobile and PC platforms, with STEM-based learning centre 5T3M leading the way for its distribution in Malaysia. For more information, please visit: https://www.pythaverse.space/.

Source: Southeast Asia’s First Educational Metaverse, Pythaverse, Launches at Malaysian Forum; Specialises in Robotics-Powered STEM Learning | EducationTvet

Panellist from the Next-Gen Digital Learning Forum: (left) 1. Associate Professor Shamsul Sarip Razak, Faculty of Technology and Informatics, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Kuala Lumpur. 2. Mr. Trung The Nguyen, Founder of Pythaverse PTE Ltd, Singapore and Vietnam. 3. Dr. IHSAN BIN ISMAIL Head of Centre, Centre for Technology Development and Management, Institute Aminuddin Baki, Malaysia. 4. Fr. Gerardo Ma. De Villa, Rector-President, San Beda College Alabang. 5. Ms. Angela Chee, Co-author of Ordinary People, Extraordinary Stories. 6. Dr. Seksan Sansirrapisut, Academic Officer, Initiative Project Management and Corporate Image and Communication Unit at IPST, Thailand. 7. (Moderator) Indra Charismiadji, Executive Director of the Center for Education Regulations and Development Analysis (CERDAS). 8. Mr. Soon Seong Lim, Vice President of Pythaverse PTE Ltd.