STEM Science Education and Outreach Programmed for Chong Hwa Independent High School students

To cultivate hands-on learning and advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, UTAR STEM Outreach joined forces with the Faculty of Science and the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP) to organise a dynamic STEM Science Education and Outreach Programme. This initiative welcomed 39 enthusiastic students from Chong Hwa Independent High School, Kuala Lumpur on 25 May 2024, providing them with an immersive experience designed to inspire future innovators and scientists.

The programme kicked off with a visit to the UTAR Agriculture Park, led by Faculty of Science academics Dr Kwong Phek Jin, Ts Dr Teoh Chaiw Yee, Dr Clement Wong Kiing Fook, and Dr Ooi Ai Lin. They highlighted the park’s facilities and activities, explaining the science behind domesticating both land and aquatic animals, as well as cultivating agricultural crops.

During the STEM Workshop, conducted by Dr Lee Kok Chang and Dr Teo Kah Cheng from the Faculty of Science, the students were introduced to Aseptic Microbial Culturing. This hands-on session provided practical experience in microbiology, teaching students about microorganism, their structures, functions, and their significance in medicine, biotechnology, and the environment. Participants practised growing yeast cultures using sterile techniques and had the chance to observe various microorganisms and their structures under microscopes.

Additionally, a campus tour of UTAR Kampar was led by Ms Chai Li Xin from the DPP, who explained the different faculty buildings. Dr Ooi Zhong Xian from the Faculty of Science also guided the students through the laboratories, offering them an in-depth look at the facilities.

Ms Chai guiding the students on a tour around the campus

Dr Clement Wong explaining the science behind cultivating agricultural crops

Dr Teoh explaining the science behind domesticating aquatic animals

Dr Ooi showing the laboratories in the Faculty of Science

Dr Teo explaining how to culture microb

Chong Hwa Independent High School students and UTAR staff