Dr Ong
Dr Ong Kiah Ju, Head of STEM Outreach at UTAR,
recently secured a grant from the Ministry of Science, Technology and
Innovation (MOSTI) for the SciTech4U – STEM Camp MOSTI 2024.
“Nowadays, students are showing a declining interest
in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. Hence,
the main goal of the SciTech4U – STEM Camp is to boost interest in STEM
education among students in Malaysia,” Dr Ong shared. The camp, sponsored by
MOSTI, aims to encourage students to pursue more science-related subjects.
It is open to students from preschool to university level, with a particular
focus on secondary school students. Dr Ong emphasised the importance of
targeting Form Three students, as they are at a crucial stage for deciding
whether to pursue the science stream.
Dr Ong plans to use the grant to run the programme
four times, ensuring a total participation of at least 100 students. Each
session will host about 25 students, making it more engaging and effective.
The grant will cover expenses like venue rental, transportation, and
materials for hands-on activities.
The camp will offer a variety of exciting activities
designed to spark interest in STEM fields. Students will participate in an
Arduino workshop to learn the basics of electronics and programming. They
will also witness 3D printing technology in action and understand its
practical uses. A chemistry experiment will involve making hand sanitizers,
teaching students the science behind them. Additionally, an activity
involving building a column will introduce students to civil engineering and
physics concepts. Dr Ong hopes these activities will not only educate but
also inspire students to further explore STEM.
When asked about her motivation for starting the
SciTech4U – STEM Camp, Dr Ong explained her desire to rekindle interest in
STEM among students, especially after a noticeable decline post-COVID. “I
want to do something that can promote interest in STEM,” she said. Dr Ong
believes that hands-on activities and real-world applications are crucial in
making STEM subjects appealing to young learners.
Dr Ong also mentioned that UTAR is the strategic
partner for this STEM Camp, highlighting the university’s commitment to
promoting STEM education.
On a personal note, Dr Ong expressed her excitement
and gratitude for receiving the grant. She sees it as an opportunity to make
a significant impact on the future of STEM education in Malaysia. “I hope to
create a lasting interest in STEM among students and help them see the
potential these fields hold for their futures,” she shared. Reflecting on
the broader impact of the initiative, Dr Ong added, “Plant a seed of
outreach today, grow a STEM into our future.
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