Taiping: The 2026 Perak Morse Code Challenge, organised by Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM), not only tested participants' speed in recognising and decoding Morse code but also introduced them to a form of communication that once played an important role in the country's telecommunications development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, TM Group Chief Corporate Officer Nor Fadhilah Mohd Ali highlighted the historical significance of Morse code as one of the early technologies that paved the way for long-distance communication systems in Malaysia. She remarked, "Morse code has great historical significance in Malaysia, as the technology dates back more than 100 years to the early days of telecommunications in the country. Advanced technologies today, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, did not emerge out of nowhere. All these advances had a starting point, and Morse code was that starting point. We need to delve into its history because every major innovation always begins with a basic idea."
She conveyed these thoughts to reporters after attending the 2026 Perak Morse Code Challenge at Dewan Rumpun Seri, TM Taiping Complex. Earlier in the event, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Convent Taiping emerged victorious in the inaugural Morse Code Challenge, with SMK Seri Iskandar securing second place and Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Hua Lian taking third.
The venue choice of Taiping for the competition, which involved 120 students from 30 schools in Perak, was significant due to its historical role in the country's telecommunications development. Taiping's connection to the telegraph system dates back to 1874, and it is also home to the Telegraph Museum.
Nor Fadhilah emphasized that Morse code skills can enhance students' thinking and problem-solving abilities through a structured understanding of basic coding concepts. She noted that early exposure to this heritage technology could inspire young minds to think creatively and innovatively. "We hope students will understand the concepts behind decoding Morse code. Who knows, their talents may one day lead to the creation of a technology that could change our lives, change the world, and transform how people interact with one another," she said.
Furthermore, she reaffirmed TM's commitment, through Yayasan TM, to safeguarding the country's telecommunications heritage while nurturing young talent in science and technology.
In the meantime, SMK Convent Taiping student Zahra Zulkhair, 15, expressed that winning the challenge marked a significant achievement for her and her team, as it was their first competitive event. Zahra, who also received the Best Morse Code Receiver Award, attributed their success to two weeks of rigorous preparation with her teammates Cheah Rui Nee, 15, R. Anukrahaa, 15, and K. Shruteelhaya, 15, under the guidance of their science teacher, M. Kumareswari. She shared, "It was certainly challenging to keep up with our studies while also training for this competition. We spent more than an hour a day after school practising together to sharpen our skills. Alhamdulillah, we managed to win despite fierce competition from other schools."