The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) recognizes and rewards the achievements of today's young scientists. The competitions raise general awareness and interest of mathematics, science, and engineering, and inspire students to pursue careers in these fields and also to promote project-based learning and research.

In Malaysia, the Intel ISEF affiliated fair began in 1999 but soon the Ministry of Education had taken an interest in organizing this competition in collaboration with Intel. The Ministry has organized on yearly basis, the National Competition for Innovation in Science and Engineering (“Pertandingan Inovasi Sains dan Kejuruteraan Kebangsaan”), an Intel-ISEF-affiliated competition, which is one of the events in the National Science and Technology Education Carnival (“Karnival Pendidikan Sains dan Teknologi Kebangsaan”).

In 2002, another Intel ISEF affiliated fair, MRSM National Scientist Talent Competition ("Pertandingan Tunas Saintis MRSM Peringkat Kebangsaan") began to be organized by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), an agency under the Minister of Enterpreneur Development, for schools under its administration.