Big Dreams Take Flight: Palestinian Teens Shine at Singapore Robot Show
SINGAPORE — While headlines from Palestine often focus on conflict, a group of determined teenagers from the West Bank recently carved out space for a different narrative at the World Robot Olympiad in Singapore. Among them was 15-year-old Razan Shawar, who traveled 24 hours from Ramallah to present her team’s agricultural innovation on a global stage.
“We want to show the world that we are not just under war,” Razan told AFP. “We can stand here and show people that we can do this.”
Razan and her teammates — Jehad Abudayyeh, 16, and Mustafa Assi, 16 — competed in the Future Innovators senior category with their “Agribot,” an AI-assisted robot designed to help farmers optimize crop production. The device uses sensors to measure soil moisture, acidity, nutrient levels, and other key indicators, offering precise data to increase yield and reduce waste.
“Agriculture is so important in our country because it’s a way of life,” Jehad explained. “I’m pleased that my project will help them.”
For Mustafa, who aspires to become an IT engineer, the competition was also a reminder of his hopes for a more peaceful future. “I hope my country will be safer and the war will end,” he shared.
Though the team did not take home a medal, their presence alone marked a victory. Palestinian delegations have participated in the World Robot Olympiad since 2014, but the Israel-Hamas war prevented them from attending last year’s event in Panama. This year, all participants came from the West Bank; none could travel from Gaza.
Razan expressed pride in what the team achieved. “We made our project, we’re proud of it,” she said. “Palestine has students who aim to be better, and show the world that Palestinians can.”
In a competition featuring more than 1,500 young innovators from over 90 countries, the Palestinian teens proved that even amid hardship, creativity and ambition know no borders.
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