Chong Hwa Independent High School students participate in UTAR STEM Outreach Programme

Chong Hwa Independent High School students and UTAR staff at Agriculture Park

A group of 38 Senior Three students from Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur, participated in a dynamic STEM Science Education and Outreach Programme at UTAR Kampar Campus on 25 November 2024. The event, organised by UTAR STEM Outreach, in collaboration with the Faculty of Science (FSc) and the Division of Programme Promotion, provided students with an immersive experience in science and technology.

The day’s agenda featured two main activities designed to ignite students’ interest in STEM fields. These activities were facilitated by FSc Department of Agricultural and Food Science Head Dr Ali Yassoralipour, FSc academics Dr Ooi Ai Lin, Dr Teo Kah Cheng, Mr Sim Kheng Yuen, Assoc Prof Dr Tee Chong Siang and Dr Lee Kok Chang.

Students grasping the science behind cultivating crops

Students exploring the science of aquatic animal domestication

One of the activities conducted was the UTAR Agriculture Park Visitation, led by Dr Ali Yassoralipour and Dr Ooi Ai Lin. During the visit, facilitators introduced students to the park’s facilities and highlighted its key features. They explained the science behind the domestication of animals, both land-based and aquatic, and discussed the processes involved in cultivating various crops. The session provided students with a practical understanding of agricultural practices and their importance in supporting sustainable food production.

Students exploring the goat shed during their visit

The second activity, titled Introduction to Aseptic Microbial Culturing and Observation of Microbes under a Light Microscope, was led by Dr Teo Kah Cheng and Dr Lee Kok Chang. This STEM workshop provided participants with hands-on microbiology experience. Through engaging activities and discussions, students explored the structures, functions and applications of microorganisms in medicine, biotechnology and the environment. They practised growing yeast cultures using sterile techniques and used microscopes to observe and study different types of microorganisms and their structures.

Dr Teo explaining microorganisms

Dr Teo demonstrating how to culture microbes