Robotics workshop sparks curiosity among young minds from SJK(T)

The field of microbotics has long epitomised cutting-edge innovation, alongside transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and quantum computing. Despite its potential, microbotics nonetheless remains a relatively new and niche concept, especially among younger students in Malaysia. Recognising the importance of preparing students for a rapidly advancing world, the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) took the initiative to introduce the subject of Design and Technology (RBT) to the curriculum’s syllabus for students as early as Year Four in primary school since the beginning of 2020.

UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Kampar Campus, in collaboration with the Kinta Selatan District Education Office (PPD) and Tamil primary schools in Kinta Selatan, organised the Microbotics and Edukit Design Workshop for Kinta Selatan Tamil Schools Students on 26 November 2024 at UTAR Kampar Campus, facilitating a series of fun and interactive activities for the students.

The workshop was joined by around 60 students and 20 teachers from nine Tamil primary schools in Kinta Selatan. Its primary goal was to enhance students’ understanding and foster their interests in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly the basics of robotics. As robotics serves as a close interconnection to other modern technologies, the workshop aimed to provide participants with a solid foundation in robotics, inspiring their curiosity in this evolving field through fun learning.

The participating schools were as follows:

• SJK(T) Mambang Diawan
• SJK(T) Kampar
• SJK(T) Ladang Kampar
• SJK(T) Methodist Malim Nawar
• SJK(T) Gopeng
• SJK(T) Ladang Kota Bahroe
• SJK(T) Kinta Valley
• SJK(T) Changkat
• SJK(T) Tronoh

The Microbotics and Edukit Design Workshop for Kinta Selatan Tamil Schools Students mainly consisted of two sessions, including an introduction to robotics and coding, and an introduction to microbotics. Conducted by En Muhamad Basri bin Abu Bakar, the students were given hands-on guidance to tinker with robotic kits such as Edukit Design (Reka Edukit) and Microbotics (Mikrobotik). Through these sessions, the young tinkerers learned the basics and capabilities of robotics, microcontrollers, line-tracing technology, and coding (via mBlock).

On behalf of the District Education Officer, Dr Mior Hamdan bin Haji Ghazali, Kinta Selatan Deputy District Education Officer for Student Development Sector En Muhammad Azizan bin Hj Abdullah officiated the workshop. In his welcome remarks, he said, “STEM is becoming a significant trend that we should not ignore. Through this workshop, we provide an opportunity for both students and educators to learn technology in an adaptive and interactive way. Therefore, I believe this is a small yet important step to improving education in Malaysia. Together with schools, I hope we can plan more programmes for primary school students in the future, further strengthening their knowledge in microbotics.”

Highlighting the importance of learning robotics at an early age, CFS (Kampar Campus) Director Ts Tan Lee Siew said, “The world has changed so much in the past decades. I think it is the perfect time for students to start learning these skills at a very young age, as they will be preparing themselves for a future where technology plays a vital role. One of UTAR’s goals is to engage with communities and grow alongside them. We believe in the transformative power of education to shape not just individuals, but also entire communities. Hence, through this workshop, we hope to not only expose students to the basics of robotics, but also empower them to eventually contribute back to society.”

Encouraging students to build a basic understanding of robotics, Organising Chairperson Ms Devagi Erusan said, “This workshop is not just about teaching how to build microbotics, but also about creating a passion for STEM, showing our students how we can use tools to solve the global challenges. One of the biggest challenges we face in today’s education is ensuring that students are exposed to a well-rounded curriculum, one that does not just focus on traditional subjects, but also gives equal importance to STEM. While language subjects are certainly crucial, it is essential that we also foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and technical skills that the students need in the rapidly evolving world. As educators, we have the power to inspire and shape the next generation of engineers, scientists, and problem solvers.”

Also present were TVET SISC+ (School Improvement Specialist Coach Plus) Officers from PPD Kinta Selatan En Jaisya bin Mokhtar and Pn Nainatul Farah binti Nor, the Chairperson of RBT Panel for SJK(T) in Kinta Selatan District Ms Logeswary Arumugam, UTAR CFS (Kampar Campus) Head of Department of Arts and Social Science Ms Pakialetchumy Antoni, organising committee members Ms Kanimozhi Govindasamy, Mr Gangadurai Ganesan, Mr Tamil Arasan Naidu Suparamaniam, Pn Sabrina binti Omar, Ms Archuna Subramaniam, Mr Thiagarajan Viran, Ms Kavitha Manickam, Ms Meera Devarajoo, Mr Nawanithan Thanimalay, Mr Shubagaran Sanmuga Sundram, and Ms Haw Ai Peng; student helpers, school principals, teachers, and students.

The Microbotics and Edukit Design Workshop for Kinta Selatan Tamil Schools Students not only bridged the gap between the communities and the university, but also strengthened robotics knowledge among young Malaysian students via fun and interactive sessions. By collaborating with various parties, UTAR strives to design programmes for communities, underlining holistic education through fun and empowering learning experiences.