The latest iteration of the popular 5cience Xplain programme by UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Kampar Campus was held at Foo Yet Kai Hall of Shen Jai High School on 13 August 2022. The programme was co-organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) in collaboration with Shen Jai High School as part of the school’s two-day Science, Mathematics and Computer Fair and NUS Biology Camp.

In his opening speech, Shen Jai High School Principal Major (R) Chia Hock Chye said that the programme was organised to cultivate and expose Shen Jai students to a wider array of knowledge and to keep them abreast with the everchanging society and technology. He also emphasised the importance of STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and 4C (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration and Creativity) skillsets in his speech. He added, “The future belongs not to the person who can score well in exams or memorise articles, but to the person who can solve future problems.”

CFS Kampar Campus Director Ts Tan Lee Siew, in her speech, stressed the importance of logical thinking and problem-solving skills in Science by relaying the story of her professor as well as her research team in solving global food sustainability problems by optimising bread production for the various types of grains available in markets. She said, “As an institution ‘by the people, for the people’, UTAR welcomes the opportunity to give back to society by organising a variety of school engagement activities.”

Shen Jai students and nearby schools’ standard six students were then brought into the hall to enjoy the activities and games set up at the 18 booths inside the hall. The booths covered areas of interest such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Information Technology and Engineering.

Present at the event were FEGT Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, FEGT Deputy Dean for Academic Development and Undergraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon, CFS Kampar Campus Director Ts Tan, CFS Kampar Campus Deputy Director for Academic Phang Ying Ning, CFS Kampar Campus Science and Engineering Head of Department Ooi Siew Fong, UTAR lecturers and students.

All in all, the organising committee received encouraging and warm feedback from the school teachers and students.