TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese students delivered a strong performance at the FIRST Championship in Houston, bringing home seven awards at what is often dubbed the “Olympics of robotics,” per CNA.
According to a social media post by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, 15 Taiwanese teams took part in the four-day competition, which concluded Sunday. A record 300 students and teachers from Taiwan reached the world finals through outstanding performances in earlier qualifying rounds.
The office said the large Taiwanese contingent at the robotics competition reflects continued investment in STEM education and the development of interdisciplinary talent. It added that Taiwanese students demonstrated strong capabilities in industrial design, efficient programming of control systems, and effective teamwork.
Among the award winners, Ger-Jyh Senior High School earned a runner-up finish in the main robotics competition, while Chien Kuo High School received an Outstanding Engineering Award. An-Kang High School won the Team Sustainability Award, and joint teams from Shulin High School and Yu-Te Bilingual High School, as well as Ci-Xin Waldorf School and Luo-Tung Industrial High School, each received the All-Star Improvement Award.
A joint team from Hsi-Nan Junior High School placed fifth in the Best Robot Performance Award, per CNA.
Hsiao Yi-fang (蕭伊芳), director of the TECO office in Houston, conveyed congratulatory messages from President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) to the winning teams. Hsiao said Taiwanese students demonstrated not only technical expertise but also innovation and teamwork on the international stage.
She noted that participants engaged with peers from around the world and showcased Taiwan’s culture through displays and interactions, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural exchange. Hsiao encouraged students to continue pursuing their goals and building on their international experience.
TECO added that beyond outstanding competition results, participants formed lasting friendships and gained valuable experience through collaboration with global peers. The office said it looks forward to more Taiwanese teams competing in Houston in the future, continuing to highlight Taiwan’s strengths in technology and innovation.
