SoSE 2017

SoSE 2017 saw the presence of over 200 participants

Themed “Embedding Innovation in the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics”, the Symposium on Science Education (SoSE) 2017 saw Science teachers from schools and higher learning institutions as well as educators and stakeholders from all over Malaysia at the UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 26 August 2017. This annual gathering of science educators creates an ideal platform for brainstorming for improvements, exchange of ideas, networking and learning from each other.

Present at SoSE 2017 were Ministry of Education (MoE) Director General of Education Tan Sri Dr Khair bin Mohamad Yusof, UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei and UTAR Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Prof Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman.

At the symposium, Prof Lee welcomed the guests and audience on behalf of UTAR and highlighted on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. “SoSE is part of the initiatives of the Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF) organised by UTAR, MIGHT, AAET and IEM. The KLESF does not only hold the annual science fair to promote STEM education, but also engage all stakeholders from education, government and non-government organisations, industry, schools and the public through many activities to raise awareness on the importance and prospects of STEM. There is an urgent need to nurture STEM talents because the majority of the jobs and challenges in the future generations are STEM-related. I hope the parents and teachers will also encourage their children and students to develop interests towards STEM.”

Tan Sri Dr Khair applauded UTAR for its efforts in promoting STEM education to all Malaysians through various forms of events and activities. He emphasised in his keynote address that STEM education has become a priority in the Malaysian education system since 1970s. He said, “The demand for STEM skilled workers in the future industry is highly STEM-oriented. On the declining number of students studying STEM subjects, the Malaysian Education Blueprint has also focused on boosting STEM Education in the country in order to encourage students’ interest in STEM subjects and enrol in Science stream in Upper Secondary. Much effort and resources have been invested in supporting schools for STEM education. Besides the ministry and schools, it is crucial that everyone in the society realise the importance of STEM education and how it influences the country’s development.”

Tan Sri Dr Khair, the keynote speaker emphasising the importance of STEM education in Malaysia

The symposium consisted of two sessions with a total of six talks and a hands-on workshop by respective speakers in line with the theme of SoSE 2017. During the first session, the topics of the talks were ‘How to Make Learning and Teaching of Science Fun and Meaningful’ by Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF) award winner Alan Kho Thing Phing ; ‘Let’s Innovate Together!’ by Guru Cemerlang Maktab Rendah Sains Mara (MRSM) Bentong Mohd Yazid Bin Mohd Shariff; ‘Back to Basics: Making Science Fun Again’ by MTSF award winner Dr Crystale Lim Siew Ying; ‘Dance, Music and Explore-races: Enhance Learning of High School Chemistry’ by Ikon Guru Peringkat Negeri Selangor 2015 and Global Teacher Prize 2015 Top 50 Finalist Yasmin Noorul Amin; and ‘Using Technology to teach Science in 21^st Century Leaning Classroom’ by Microsoft Innovative Educator 2016/2017 and Guru Kimia MRSM Gemencheh Noor Emy Liana Binti Daud.

The second session started with a hands-on workshop named ‘Gamification in Education’ conducted by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Faculty of Arts, Computing and Creative Industries Dean Dr Maizatul Hayati Mohamad Yatim. It was followed by the last talk at SoSE ‘There is A Better Way – Active Learning’ by Aizuddin Bin Zamani from Sasbadi Learning Solutions Sdn Bhd.

SoSE 2017 was jointly organised by UTAR and Majlis Professor Negara, and supported by the Ministry of Education (MoE) Malaysia, Toray Industries and Sasbadi.

Kho sharing his experience teaching Science in East Malaysia 

Mohd Yazid showcasing some of his students’ innovative creations

Lim speaking on how to make Science fun for students

Yasmin providing some tips to learn Chemistry through music and dance

Noor Emy highlighting on the use of technology in the teaching-learning process

Dr Maizatul speaking about gamification in education

Aizuddin presenting his ideas to encourage active learning

Prof Lee (far left) presenting a souvenir to Tan Sri Dr Khair (middle). Next to him is Prof Faidz (far right)

In line with KLESF’s initiative to promote STEM education in the country and region, KLESF recently held the Asian Science Camp 2017 at UTAR Kampar Campus. For more details , visit : http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=105776

The annual KLESF fair will be held from 3 to 5 November 2017 at MINES International Exhibition and Convention Centre. For more information about the fair and other KLESF activities, visit the KLESF official website: http://www.klesf.net/.