Innovation and experimentation are very well the trials and errors in the path towards the future of every economy. Science, needless to say, is the accumulation of challenges and passions that illuminate the future in many aspects.

With a heart full of enthusiasm, the students from 42 Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools displayed their spirit of innovation, experimentation, and pragmatism at the 17th Malaysian National Independent Chinese Secondary School (MICSS) Science Camp.

Jointly organised by San Min Secondary School (SUWA), Tianjin University of China and UTAR Faculty of Science (FSc), the fourth day of the science camp took place at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik, UTAR Kampar Campus on 26 May 2024. It was part of the five-day 17th MICSS Science Camp, which was mainly held at San Min Secondary School (SUWA), Teluk Intan.

The 17th MICSS Science Camp at UTAR Kampar Campus saw the attendance of around 247 students from an array of independent Chinese secondary schools across Malaysia.

The science camp aimed to promote the spirit of “truth-seeking”, broaden students’ horizons, strengthen teachers’ and students’ scientific theoretical verification and experimental skills; promote mutual communication and learning opportunities between teachers and students; cultivate creativity and critical thinking towards science among students; and provide an opportunity for students to experience the relationship between research and collaboration in a science team.

UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat said, “Science is a vibrant subject that encourages us to build on the foundations of our predecessors and continue to move forward, explore, and create new ground to enrich existing knowledge and skills, thereby benefitting the world and human civilisation.”

He added, “In addition to classroom learning, we can inspire students’ passion and pursuit of science through many rich and interesting activities, similar to the activities of this science camp. This science camp is filled with exploration and discovery. Students will have exposure to advanced scientific knowledge, participate in interesting scientific experiments, communicate and learn with camp participants from diverse backgrounds, and exchange knowledge with experts and scholars. I believe this science camp will help students to better understand science and thus ignite their passion in the path of science.”

San Min Secondary School (SUWA) Principal Mr Foo Wing Meng said, “Malaysia’s future requires a substantial number of STEM talents. We have great national resources, a good geographical location, and a healthy amount of investments from foreign economies. Yet, Malaysia does not have sufficient talents to meet the economy’s demands.”

He also commented that STEM subjects are not the main choices among Malaysian students. He encouraged the students to not give up on this opportunity, learn STEM knowledge, and make preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Tianjin University Institute of Molecular Aggregation Science Associate Dean Prof Li Liqiang said, “This science camp aims to spark students’ passion for science, and improve their scientific literacy and entrepreneurial skills. The camp is not just about imparting knowledge, but also promoting the spirit of science.”

He also encouraged the students to be ambitious, hard-working and resilient, advising them to learn from others to reach a greater height.

The science camp was filled with a variety of fun activities ranging from mind-taxing to relaxing activities, leaving the students to unleash their creativity and explore the art of science in the era of Industry 4.0. There was a total of 24 booths, filled with games and activities from the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, agriculture and mathematics. Other booths included exhibitions from Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM) and Wing Zone Malaysia. Moreover, a health talk was also given by Yakult Malaysia to provide insights into the human digestive system to the participants.

Aside from the vibrant activities at the booths, five teams of students from different schools were engaged in an exciting contest of scientific knowledge. The Chemistry Oral Quiz Competition mixed quick-witted exchanges of chemical knowledge between the participants, and stirred sparkling waves of excitement among the spectators, cheering for their respective schoolmates. The winning teams were Team Hydrogen (1st prize), Team Argon (2nd prize), Team Fluorine (3rd prize), Team Carbon (4th prize), and Team Boron (5th prize).

The diverse panoply of activities was complemented with a relaxing tour around the campus, in which the students were introduced to the various facilities, structures, and buildings at UTAR Kampar Campus.

Also present at the opening ceremony of the science camp were former Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Lecturer Dr Chong Hon Yew, FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) Dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) Dean Prof Ts Dr Liew Soung Yue, committee members, teachers from respective independent Chinese secondary schools, and UTAR staff.

The participating Malaysian Independent Chinese Secondary Schools are as below: