STEM workshops and exhibition

Pua (far right) demonstrating the mini rocket experiment to the participants

The Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) held two workshops and an exhibition on 14 April 2018 at Sungai Long Campus. The workshops and exhibition aimed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to the public, particularly to school-going children and their parents. It also aimed to engage students’ interest in STEM-related fields of studies while advocating its practical application and utility.

The mini hands-on workshops encompassed a series of science experiments and design activities. The first workshop included two science experiments, namely the “Squishy Ice-cream”, where participants were given the chance to make their own organic ice-cream by using a scientific recipe, followed by “Mini Rocket” experiment, where participants experienced the making of mini rockets using only the matches. The second workshop saw participants gaining more insights on the effects of PH and alcohol towards the liver.

The instructors involved in the workshop were Sungai Long Campus’ Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) Academic Deputy Director Wong Jing Tyng, Student Affairs and Development Deputy Director Pua Gaik Hong, and lecturers Amelia Chiang Kar Mun, Yeoh Li-Cheng and Ngai Suet Loo. An exhibition was also held and it saw the display of several science projects by the undergraduate and postgraduate students of UTAR. It drew many inquisitive young minds to explore the world of science and technology.

"STEM is very important to develop our nation to the next level. I think this event was very beneficial in not only promoting the STEM but also the University as a whole. Coming from a rural area, the event gave us a good exposure to what STEM is all about. We also learnt a lot from the science-related projects and we truly enjoyed it," said Ahmad Hariz bin Ahmad Azam, a student from Sekolah Menengah Sains Rembau.

"The involvement of STEM has become more apparent in the current education system. STEM serves as a training ground for the students to be more prepared to face the future world, filled with technology. It also helps students to develop creativity and enables them to think out-of-the-box. I’m glad that this workshop helps students to realise the importance of STEM," said Nur Hidayah binti Abdul Gapar, a school science teacher.

Ahmad (middle) with his classmates

Participants listening attentively

A student trying her hands on the experiment

 Far right: Master of Science and Engineering student Soon Kok Yew and participants at the exhibition