Over 500 Students and Coaches Compete at TIS VEX Robotics Competition

Nov 05, 2026

The International School of Macao (TIS) proudly hosted its fourth annual TIS VEX Robotics Competition, titled "Macau Mecha Monster Mash," on October 30–31, 2026. Building on years of remarkable success, the event expanded into a full two-day tournament for the first time, solidifying its status as a premier international robotics showcase. The competition welcomed over 500 students and coaches from 90+ teams across Asia to demonstrate their engineering creativity, technical skills, and collaborative spirit on an international stage.

Notable guests included guest speaker Dr. Jing Zhang, Assistant Professor, School of Computer Science and Engineering of Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST). Dr. Zhang commended the participants for their dedication to coding and urged them to take pride in their achievements. She encouraged them to cultivate continuous learning habits by starting with small projects aligned with their passions and highlighted the expanding role and future possibilities of robotics across diverse fields.

The energy at this year’s competition follows a historic milestone for TIS. At the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship, TIS team 85301X “No!” won the prestigious Design Award, becoming the first high school team from Mainland China or the SARs to earn this honor. Since only around 0.1% of World Championship-qualifying teams earn the award, this achievement placed 85301X among the competition’s most exceptional teams. The "Macau Mecha Monster Mash" now invites a new generation of competitors to follow in team 85301X’s footsteps, build on its legacy, and push their skills to new heights.

"Students learnt far more than just how to code; they learnt how to master real-world skills that define them as engineers, innovators, and critical thinkers," addressed by TIS Primary Principal Nick Chignall. "This journey is about building strong character, striving to be better, and stepping up as the future STEM leaders."

The TIS Robotics Competition stands as a testament to the School’s commitment to educational excellence and to preparing students for future challenges through cutting-edge STEM education. By providing hands-on experience that sparks creativity, ingenuity, and problem-solving, the event shapes the next generation of engineers and innovators while instilling essential values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and global collaboration. Supported by a vibrant community of parents, teachers, and friends, TIS continues to empower young minds and reinforce its dedicated support for STEM education both within the school and across the wider region.