The Department of Soft Skills Competency (DSSC) of UTAR Kampar Campus has actively engaged with the community to inspire a love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among primary school students. Throughout 2024, DSSC Kampar Campus has organised STEM Learning programmes for Standard 3 to Standard 6 students from various Tamil primary schools across Perak. Led by DSSC Kampar Campus staff Ms Danasegari Ponnusamy, these initiatives combined hands-on learning with interactive activities to make STEM subjects accessible, exciting, and impactful.
The participating schools included SJK (T) Ladang Kamatchy, SJK (T) Khir Johari, SJK (T) Tapah, SJK (T) Barathi, SJK (T) Ladang Banopdane, SJK (T) Ladang Tong Wah, SJK (T) Thiruvalluvar, SJK (T) Ladang Kampar, SJK (T) Slim River, SJK (T) Ladang Kelapa Bali, and SJK (T) Mambang Diawan. Facilitated by Ms Danasegari and a team of UTAR students, the programme emphasised critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork through various enjoyable and practical activities.
The programme, which kicked off on 15 April 2024 at SJK (T) Ladang Kamatchy, Hutan Melintang, will conclude on 13 December 2024 at SJK (T) Mambang Diawan. Over the year, the initiative engaged with students through events held at 11 schools, bridging the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications of STEM.
Students explored the diverse applications of science and technology, enhancing their understanding and empowering them to apply these principles in their daily lives. By engaging in these activities, the students developed foundational knowledge and skills, paving the way for potential future careers in STEM fields.
The participating schools expressed heartfelt appreciation for the DSSC team’s efforts. They acknowledged the positive impact of the programme on the students’ understanding of STEM subjects and conveyed their hopes for continued collaboration in similar initiatives. Such partnerships highlight the importance of community engagement in shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders.
UTAR students who participated as facilitators described the experience as enriching and transformative. They highlighted the importance of community engagement, compassion, and teamwork, noting how the programme fostered personal growth and a stronger sense of purpose. Many shared that working with DSSC and the students was both inspiring and impactful, reinforcing their commitment to contributing to meaningful causes and community service initiatives. The programme also allowed them to develop meaningful connections with the schools and students, especially those in rural areas, where educational opportunities can be limited.
Through this initiative, UTAR DSSC continues to reaffirm its commitment to fostering community engagement and educational excellence. By inspiring curiosity and promoting a deeper understanding of STEM, the programme not only supports the growth of young minds but also contributes to the development of future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
UTAR students inspiring young minds through hands-on science activities
UTAR DSSC facilitator Ms Danasegari (fourth from right) and students with the headmasters of schools across Negeri Perak
A group picture featuring school students’ projects
UTAR students engaging school students in exciting technology activities, sparking curiosity and creativity
Students participating in creative activity session, collaborating in small groups on an engineering-based project
School students actively participating in a mathematics activity, collaboratively solving problems and exploring concepts
Group photos of UTAR facilitators, school representatives and students
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