Cempaka Group of Schools decided to take a whole new approach in developing students’ critical thinking skills by holding Malaysia’s first ever convention to feature the use of designer board games in classrooms. Thinkcon-1, as it was called, was hosted by the Cempaka Schools in the Dato’ Pilus Hall situated in Cempaka Damansara on 17 and 18 January 2009.

It turned out to be a great and successful event organised by Dr Iskandar Rizal, the Vice Chairman of Cempaka Schools and fellow prefects of Cempaka Damansara with the help of Mr Edwin Wong, former CEO of a financial institution who used games for senior management development. Thinkcon-1 was not only attended by Cempakans but also teachers, parents, visitors and even some ex-Cempakans who tried their hands at the games provided on those two days and walked away most impressed.

Some of the many games provided on both days were Blokus, Lifeboat, Ricochet Robots as well as world famous The Settlers of Catan and King of Siam. Competitions for Blokus and Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective were opened to students, parents, teachers as well as visitors. Prizes were also up for grabs for the winners. These competitions gave way to bonding time for parents and their children as they teamed up against other opponents.

Thinkcon-1 also spotlighted workshops on the use of games in classrooms and designing games used as implements in classrooms featuring the following speakers – Mr Jimmy Yeoh, the designer of “Math Magic”, a worldwide played game; Mr Kenneth Phun, an educational psychology specialist and Mr Edwin Wong who, at one time, held the position of CEO in a financial institution.

The highlight of the event was the Flames of War, the world’s leading World War II historical miniature game which allows players to recreate the battles during the World War II in the shoes of famous generals using only armies represented by miniature soldiers, tanks, jets and ordnance. The game can be played by either two opposing players or any number of players grouped in opposing teams.

Visitors watched eagerly as the opposing players of two countries, Malaysia and Singapore battled in the Malaysia vs Singapore Annual Flames of War Friendly. Ultimately, Malaysia won.

Special thanks to Cempaka Cooperative Board (CCB) as they also played a big part in contributing to the success of Thinkcon-1 by selling food in the school canteen for both days,
filling stomachs of visitors.

Overall, Thinkcon-1 was very well received and managed to amaze all attendants of the event. Cempaka Schools had made a wise choice in developing strategic and tactical thinking skills via award-winning designer board games in classrooms.