Learning through play is fast becoming one of the more effective methods of allowing learners to build on what they know, experiment through trial and error and to find innovative solutions to problems by using strategies and skills that they have honed through playing with games. Games are valuable tools for learning, both inside and outside the classroom and can be used to create awareness and gain knowledge on a plethora of topics, including environmental awareness.
Ocean preservation has long been a topic of interest and concern among environmentalists around the world, and many efforts have been put forth towards fostering a younger generation that is committed to this cause. With this as a main objective, the Embassy of France in Malaysia initiated the SensARTS Game Jam Laut 2024 (GJL), a nationwide initiative aimed at bringing eager Malaysian youths together to create a video game spreading the message of ocean preservation.
GJL Sarawak edition was recently hosted for the first time at the Gamification Centre UNIMAS from 27-29 September 2024, fully funded by the Embassy of France in Malaysia. The event saw the participation of over 20 enthusiastic jammers from all over Borneo, coming from various disciplines such as computing, design arts, sound engineers, and marine science. The participants spent a gruelling 48 hours together, staying overnight for two sleepless nights to develop video games addressing environmental issues related to the protection of the oceans. In addition, they attended three masterclasses delivered by brilliant speakers: Raphael Granier de Cassagnac (Chair of Ecole Polytechnique, France), Keshavar Ganesparan (Hidden Chest Studio, Malaysia), and Carolyn Scheurle (CNRS, France), as well as a pitching workshop led by Suan Goh, Co-founder and Creative Lead of CtrlD Studio (Sarawak).
The Sarawak Borneo edition of GJL 2024 was a collaborative effort between the Gamification Centre UNIMAS, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak (SUTS). It brought together five mentors: Malcolm Wu from iCube Sdn Bhd, Dyg Amira Fithriyaami Abg Maimoon from Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Melvin Jangga from PETRONAS Digital Sdn Bhd, Dr Suriati Jali from FCSIT UNIMAS, and Noorhaslina Senin from FACA UNIMAS, along with guest mentor Chuah Kee Man, who tirelessly supported participants day and night. The collaboration between the three universities was strengthened by the involvement of local marine science experts, namely Prof Moritz Muller from SUTS, AP Dr Zarinah Waheed from UMS, and AP Dr Aazani Mujahid from UNIMAS.
The four jury members – Lau Chai Ming from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dr Achier Chung Fung Chen from the Borneo Marine Research Institute (UMS) and formerly with Reef Guardian Sdn Bhd, Dr Terry Lucas from FACA UNIMAS, and Jonathan Sidi from FCSIT UNIMAS – meticulously judged the final game prototypes. Coming from academia, industries and NGOs, they all shared a deep passion for ocean preservation and recognised the power of games to raise awareness and inspire future generations to protect the oceans.
The winning team of the GJL Sarawak Borneo edition will be competing against the winners from the other GJL editions nationwide from Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu for the chance to present their game at the final competition which will be held in France. The final GJL Malaysia winner will be announced on the 23 November 2024 and will have an all expenses and travel paid by the Embassy of France to Paris for the finale event.
