KLESF 2024 ignites the passion for STEM Education

From left: YB Wong, Prof Faidz, Prof Azlinda, Puan Ida, Prof Dato’ Indera Lee and Tan Sri Sak

The Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF) 2024 returned to the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC) from 8 to 10 November 2024, reaffirming its commitment to advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The vibrant event inspired creativity and innovation among school and university students, drawing local and international participation.

The event welcomed an esteemed group of guests from diverse sectors. Notable figures included YBhg Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda binti Azman, Director General of Higher Education from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia; YBhg Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, representing the Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) as Chairman and serving as President of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT); Puan Ida Semurni Abdullah Ali, Chief Operating Officer of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and representing the Co-Chairmanship of KLESF; and Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, Vice President of R&D and Commercialisation at UTAR and Co-Chairman of KLESF.

Other honoured guests included YBhg Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Sak Cheng Lum, Chairman of UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees, and YB Wong Siew Ki, ADUN of Seri Kembangan. Mr John Tay, Founder and President of the ChangeMaker Association and KLESF Steering Committee Member, was also present to support the event.

Prof Faidz and Puan Ida delivering their speech

The event began with Prof Faidz’s remarks emphasising the critical need for STEM engagement, "One of the most pressing challenges we face in Malaysia’s education landscape is the declining interest among students in STEM subjects. This trend poses significant risks to our future workforce and socio-economic development. KLESF was established as a community-driven initiative to address this challenge by promoting STEM engagement, awareness, and excitement among young minds.”

He encouraged young participants to explore KLESF’s offerings, saying, "Ask questions, test your ideas, and let your creativity flourish. It is through curiosity and exploration that you lay the foundation for future innovations."

Following this, Puan Ida highlighted MIGHT’s efforts, “MIGHT and UTAR have worked together for over a decade to inspire the next generation of inventors and thinkers. Through events like KLESF, we spark curiosity, nurture skills, and foster dreams, showcasing the boundless possibilities of STEM.”

She added, “Malaysia ranks #1 globally in the percentage of ICT, Engineering, Mathematics, and Natural Sciences graduates. This accomplishment demonstrates our readiness to excel in the global arena.”

Prof Dato’ Indera Lee and Prof Azlinda delivering their speech

Prof Dato’ Indera Lee praised the event’s wide-ranging activities and said, “KLESF brings STEM to life, showcasing its real-world applications through hands-on experiments, competitions, and creative projects. Every activity here today is a chance for young minds to develop skills that will define the future.”

He also encouraged students to embrace the lifelong journey of learning. “Education is not just about school—it’s about a curiosity that drives you to explore, imagine, and achieve,” he said.

YBhg Datuk Prof Azlinda concluded the speeches by stressing STEM’s role in economic development, “STEM education equips individuals with the knowledge to contribute to technological and scientific advancements. It drives innovation, creates new sectors, and attracts high-paying jobs.” She urged for a collaborative effort across all sectors, saying, “The Ministry of Higher Education is committed to fostering STEM interest, but we cannot do this alone. We need the support of schools, universities, industries, and the community to succeed.”

KLESF 2024 presented an array of engaging activities, including the KLESF International Challenge, which brought together over 330 teams of young innovators from Malaysia, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Myanmar. Students showcased STEM projects that highlighted remarkable problem-solving and technical skills.

Other attractions included the Creative Science Drama Competition and hands-on workshops in drone simulations, 3D printing, coding, and robotics. Attendees were also treated to exhibits such as the ChangeMaker Japan Robotic Band and stargazing activities at the MIGHT Pavilion.

Guests taking a tour around the exhibition led by Rocky the robotic dog

Winners of the Mind Competitions

In conjunction with KLESF 2024, the 18th Malaysia Festival of The Mind (MFotM), organised by the Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM), showcased a variety of interactive exhibitions and activities. These included mental calculation challenges, strategy board games, creative art displays, and memory sports competitions. The Mind Competitions, held on 29 June 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, UTAR Kampar Campus, and TAR UMT Penang Campus, recognised the exceptional talents of participants in fostering mental agility. Prizes for the competition winners were awarded after the opening ceremony, celebrating their outstanding achievements and inspiring others to explore the limitless potential of mental literacy.

MMLM Mapping Competition First Prize winner Isabel Liew Sze Qing (left) and Special Prize winner Wong Yu Xin

Isabel Liew Sze Qing, who won first prize in the MMLM Mind Mapping Competition, shared her excitement and described the achievement as overwhelming. She mentioned it was the result of months of preparation, noting that her previous attempt in the same category had only earned her a consolation prize.

Wong Yu Xin, who won the Special Prize in the Children Category (Age 9 and Below) for Random Numbers, expressed happiness about the achievement. She felt delighted to win the competition. She credited her success to extensive practice with her mother’s support and shared her enthusiasm to participate again next year.

Ang with her award

Ang Ke Xin from SMJK Perempuan China Pulau Pinang, who won 1st Prize in the Random Letters of the Alphabet under Memory Competition, expressed her gratitude to her coach, Mr Vincent Chin, for teaching her memory techniques that contributed to her victory. With around six months of dedicated preparation, she’s thrilled by her achievement and is looking forward to participating in the Mind and STEM Festival again next year to gain more experience.

KLESF 2024 was jointly organised by UTAR, the ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), MIGHT, the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS), TAR UMT, and MMLM. The event also benefitted from the generous support of sponsors such as Kuok Foundation Berhad, Malayan Flour Mills Berhad (MFM), DXN Holdings Berhad, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Silverlake Axis Sdn Bhd, Uzma Berhad, CH Tech Global Sdn Bhd, VentureTECH, Mach 1 AI Robotics & Automation Sdn Bhd, Hotel PI Sdn Bhd, Pusat PERMATA@Pintar Negara, BRAINet (M) Sdn Bhd, Pizza Hut, Milo, Farm Fresh Malaysia, Yeo’s, and Maxis.

KLESF International Challenge Booth

Winners of the AAET 2024 Award (clockwise from top left): Mr Heng, Dr Lawrence, Mr Noou and grand winner Dr Leong

The ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) 2024 award ceremony took place on 8 November 2024 during KLESF, recognising professionals from across the region for their exceptional contributions to environmental sustainability. Winners hailed from Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore, showcasing diverse innovations addressing pressing global challenges. The grand winner, Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Leong Kah Hon, Deputy Dean of UTAR Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, was honoured for his outstanding efforts in promoting sustainable practices through research, community engagement, and education. 

School Adoption Programme by MIGHT, Mach1 AI, Hotel Pi Sdn Bhd, VentureTech, Pusat PERMATA @ Pintar Negara

Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) booths

The IEM Robotic Challenge for Primary Students category

The IEM Robotic Challenge for Secondary Students category

Creative Science Drama Competition 2024 Category A: Primary School

Winners of the Creative Science Drama Competition 2024 Category A: Primary School

Creative Science Drama Competition 2024 Category B: Secondary School

Winners of the Creative Science Drama Competition 2024 Category B: Secondary School

STEM Cube Challenge 2024

Winners of STEM Cube Challenge 2024

Participants showcasing their speed, precision, and focus at the Elite ISSF Sport Stacking Championships 2024

Congratulations to all the Elite ISSF Sport Stacking Championships 2024 winners

Mr Alan Hoi (third from left) with his team from DXN Holdings Bhd

DXN Holdings Bhd Regional Marketing Manager Mr Alan Hoi highlighted the company’s longstanding commitment to supporting UTAR, emphasising its role as a key contributor to society in Malaysia. He commended the exhibition, now in its 11th edition with over 400,000 visitors to date, for its success in fostering innovation and inspiring students to pursue education and career opportunities. The event, he said, also showcases Malaysian companies’ achievements and emerging technologies, reinforcing the importance of nurturing growth and collaboration.

He explained that DXN, originating from Alor Setar, has grown into a global direct-selling company with a presence in over 180 economies and significant economic contributions, generating over RM500 million worldwide. 

Ms Jacy Teh (fourth from left) with her team from Malayan Flour Mills Berhad

Ms Jacy Teh Sher Ching, Talent Acquisition Senior Specialist at Malayan Flour Mills Berhad, commended KLESF as a valuable initiative that unites individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore science and technology. She said that the event was engaging and offered students opportunities to witness real-world applications, besides learning them in the school. Furthermore, she highlighted Malayan Flour Mills’ commitment to nurturing young talent through its CSR programme, aligning with its mission to support educational development.

From left: Universiti Sains Malaysia Industry Fellow Mr Lim Say Khiam, ChangeMaker Vice President Mr Stanley Seow and ChangeMaker Founder and President Mr John Tay

Mr John Tay, Founder and President of ChangeMaker, reflected on his long association with KLESF, having been involved since its second edition. Representing both ChangeMaker and the Malaysia Internet-of-Things Association, he praised the event for its role in inspiring children to explore STEM, emphasising its importance for both personal development and industry needs.

Mr Tay highlighted KLESF’s collaborative nature as a consortium of partners and its continuous evolution, with efforts to introduce new ideas each year. He stressed the importance of encouraging children to approach learning with an open mind, moving beyond passive habits like excessive screen time. He also discussed the challenges of organising such initiatives, including budget constraints, resource limitations, and the transient nature of student participation. Drawing from his global experiences, he emphasised the need for ongoing change and adaptation to ensure the event remains impactful and relevant.

Ms Anis Amirah (front row, most right) with her team from MIGHT

Ms Anis Amirah from MIGHT shared her impressions of the event, attending for the second time. She explained that this year felt more vibrant and colourful compared to the previous edition, with engaging booths and activities. She found the inclusion of a pro-competition and coding sessions, particularly involving children, both surprising and impressive. 

She emphasised the event’s role in building confidence, especially among introverted or shy children, by encouraging interaction and improving communication skills. The activities, she added, also stimulated creative thinking and exposed children to innovative ideas like AI, which she described as crucial for future job markets.

Lim Yee Chun

Lim Yee Chun, a student from TAR UMT Faculty of Engineering and Technology, said, “As a first-time participant at the KLESF, I am excited to be part of this event where I can showcase my products and share my thoughts on the future of engineering and my plans for innovation. This experience also provides me with the opportunity to learn and gain new insights.” 

Muhammed Qaiqal Danish

Muhammed Qaiqal Danish, a student from Kolej PERMATA@Pintar Negara, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (KPPN UKM), remarked that KLESF was highly enjoyable, showcasing various initiatives that sparked interest in TIP (Technology and Innovation programmes). He mentioned that the exhibition provided valuable insights into diverse fields, such as science, biometrics, and cybersecurity, greatly enhancing their knowledge.

Encik Ahmad Dzuharuddin bin Othman (right) and his colleague

Encik Ahmad Dzuharuddin bin Othman, an exhibitor from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Shah Alam, explained, “KLESF provided a platform to present our project to the public, especially children, by showcasing a combination of 3D printer and electronics. This interactive project aimed to engage children and help us develop our skills. We are happy with the positive feedback from children and teachers. This would help us refine our project and advance their educational goals.” 

Mr Mukundan Vedivelu (right) and his family

Mr Mukundan Vedivelu, who attended KLESF for the first time with his family, praised the event for its value to children, noting its alignment with the increasingly STEM-focused educational landscape. He highlighted how the fair introduced students to various aspects of STEM beyond conventional learning, offering interactive activities and hands-on experiences that kept children engaged. Mr Mukundan expressed his intention to recommend KLESF to friends and other families, seeing it as an excellent opportunity for kids to explore STEM in an enjoyable and practical way.

Prof Goi (most left) with his family members

UTAR Vice President Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min, speaking as a parent, emphasised the event’s broad scope, which goes beyond exhibitions and competitions to include diverse workshops led by university professors and experts from both public and private institutions. He highlighted the event’s interactive nature, which fosters meaningful engagement and learning opportunities.

He shared that his daughters have attended the event almost every year since primary school and continue to participate as secondary school students. Unlike other academic events, which may not always capture children’s interest, this festival’s engaging activities consistently appeal to them, making STEM subjects fun and approachable. For his family, these activities have contributed to his daughters’ continued pursuit of STEM fields in higher education, showing the event’s influence on shaping their academic paths.

From left: Ms Janakumari, Eshikka, Ssri Shivaani and Chelva

Students from SJK (T) Bandar Sri Sendayan, Eshikka Prakash, Ssri Shivaani Sri Ganesh and Chelva Mohan Renganathan, presented their innovative project titled Flood Air Solar Charger, designed to provide electricity during blackouts by using solar power. After charging the device outside for 4–5 hours, users can charge small devices like phones, laptops, and iPads. They were impressed by KLESF’s large, well-organised setup and workshops, noting that they learned how to create colours using acids and alkalis, and expressed their interest in attending the event again next year.

From left: Dani, Balqis and Ayna from SK Seri Taman Kluang

Students from SK Seri Taman Kluang Barat, Dani Waldan bin Mohd Hisyamuddin, Balqis Raudhah binti Rosdi and Ayna Imanina binti Muhammad Fauzy Iskandar Shah, on the other hand, presented their innovative project titled Eco Blend: Smart Fertiliser. Their project aligns with SDG 11 by promoting sustainable practices through creating natural fertiliser from waste materials like food scraps, dry leaves, and soil, with bread, charcoal, and cocopeat added to control odour. The team hopes to encourage sustainable habits and appreciates KLESF for providing new and valuable learning opportunities.

From left: Koo, Chung and Lu

The Hong Kong Taoist Association The Yuen Yuen Institute No.2 Secondary School, advised by Koo Chung Man, participated in the KLESF challenge with students Lu Kam Hin and Chung Ching Ho. The team presented their project titled GlowViveHK, an app that encouraged users to explore Hong Kong by unlocking unique lighting effects at various attractions, creating a treasure-hunt experience. The project’s goal was to promote tourism and fill Hong Kong with vibrant colours and lights, celebrating and preserving the city’s cultural heritage.

Their motivation for attending KLESF reflected their curiosity and drive for broader engagement, with Lu explaining, “I think KLESF is a large and famous event around Malaysia. We come from Hong Kong and we want to expand our global vision. So, we decided to attend this event to learn different things from the participants around the world.” Describing the experience, Chung expressed excitement, saying, “This place is filled with geniuses with very unique and different products. It is very eye-opening to see how even students can create such creative and unimaginable products to help the world become a better place.”

From left: Leo, Sebastian and Desmond

Desmond Cristiano Felix, Sebastian Lee Hau Chong, and Leo Adrie Filek from SM St. Michael, Penampang, Sabah, presented their project MudFlush, a device designed for efficient post-flood cleanup. Unlike standard pressure washers, MudFlush removes mud, debris, and contaminants thoroughly, aiming to reduce the clean-up burden on flood-affected communities and individuals, particularly relevant as their school endures frequent flooding.

The team expressed enthusiasm for attending KLESF, describing it as “a great platform for not only students but everyone to learn how to pitch and present their ideas or product to the crowd; to share their journey, products, ideas, concepts, and to pursue what they want to achieve and learn”. They valued the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and gain resilience, saying, “This kind of experience is invaluable, as it helps people not only refine their ideas but also build resilience and adaptability.” They highlighted KLESF’s role in advancing sustainable development through STEM, adding, “KLESF truly empowers individuals to pursue their goals and make a meaningful impact, supporting global goals for quality education, economic growth, and innovation.”

Khor Tze Le (second from left), Tiang Jia Wern and Skyler See receiving Gold award for their project

Skyler See, Khor Tze Le, and Tiang Jia Wern from SJK(C) Puay Chai 2 won the Gold award for their project, TephraBot, at the KLESF Challenge. They expressed pride and amazement at their accomplishment, feeling it was a remarkable milestone. Before competing in KLESF, they had attended the National Robotic Competition, where they won 2nd place, which motivated them to join this event. They also praised KLESF for being well-organised, as it allowed them to see other schools’ projects, track their progress, and gather new ideas. 

From left: Tan Jing Xuan, Chong Ray Herng and Chong Ray Ching

Tan Jing Xuan, Chong Ray Herng, and Chong Ray Ching from SJK(C) Puay Chai 2, the Gold Medal winners in the Primary School category of the KLESF International Challenge 2024, expressed their excitement about winning their first gold medal and reflected on their previous participation in KLESF. This year, their project focused on helping the elderly, specifically addressing the challenge of ensuring seniors take the correct medication—an issue affecting millions. The project took five weeks to complete. The students also shared their plans to return to KLESF next year with a new project, highlighting their enthusiasm and commitment to continuous innovation.

From left: Prof Faidz, Amirkhon Yakubov and Valentina Riazantseva

Brighton International School students Amirkhon Yakubov and Valentina Riazantseva were the proud Gold Medal winners of the KLESF Challenge 2024. Their award-winning project was titled “Thermoelectric Cooling Mug”.

Amirkhon expressed excitement about participating in the competition, describing it as a significant and rewarding experience. He shared his appreciation for meeting talented individuals who dedicated themselves to innovative projects and commended all the institutions that brought people together to share ideas and promote creativity for a better future.

Another team member, Valentina, described the event as an inspiring and exciting experience, highlighting the valuable connections and ideas the team encountered. She emphasised the environmental focus of the team’s project and reflected on the effort and time invested, stating that the recognition they received felt well-deserved and deeply appreciated.

From left: Prof Faidz, Daris, Habilla and Ennoia

The winners of KLESF Challenge 2024 were students from Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta, Ennoia Aidan Prarthana Panggarar, Habilla Zaira Madjid, and Daris Hanifta Teguh.

“We’re incredibly grateful, especially considering all the preparation and time we invested in this project. Each of us contributed equally, and I truly appreciate everything our team and supporters have done for us,” shared Daris. When asked about their preparation, they replied, “We’ve been working on this project for two months. It’s been quite the journey!”

Reflecting on the competition, Daris said, “I’ve learned that hard work really does pay off. Beyond that, I’ve realised how important it is to be grateful to our supporters and to collaborate with people we may not naturally align with. Sometimes, you’re teamed up with someone you’re not immediately compatible with, but learning to work together is part of the experience.”

Booths featured at KLESF 2024

Exhibits at the KLESF International Challenge 2024