Mathematics and Science Fair 2024: A Spectrum of Discovery, Innovation, and Fun

The Mathematics and Science Fair (MSF) 2024, organised by the Centre for Foundation Studies (Sungai Long Campus), in collaboration with the Division of Programme Promotion, was a resounding success, attracting eager participation from secondary school students of SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long and SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4). Held on 16 October 2024 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus, the annual event provided an enriching experience, showcasing the wonders of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to future innovators.

Group photo with school students, featuring (from left) Ms Catherine See (Secretary), Cikgu Wan Harniyanty, MSF 2024 Chairperson Ms Tan, CFS Director Ms Melissa, Mr Ravendran, Cikgu Noorinsyira, and Cikgu Sofea

Ms Melissa Stefanie Netto, Director of the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), officiated the event with an inspiring opening speech. She emphasised Malaysia’s strong commitment to STEM education as a driving force in building a future-ready nation. Acknowledging the efforts of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education, Ms Melissa lauded the collective push towards promoting STEM across schools and universities, highlighting UTAR’s integral role in this mission.

She remarked, “At UTAR, we are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of professionals in pivotal fields such as science, engineering, and health sciences. Our academic programmes are designed to align with the nation’s industrial development needs. Through events like MSF, we hope to inspire you all to continue exploring the marvels of science, stay curious, challenge norms, and contribute meaningfully to society.”

The event was filled with dynamic and interactive activities, including a campus tour, an engaging quiz competition, hands-on experiments, and innovative workshops that captured students’ interest in mathematics and science. These activities provided a valuable platform for young minds to deepen their understanding of STEM and ignite their passion for these crucial fields.

The day culminated with a prize-giving ceremony to honour the winners of various competitions, such as the Computational Thinking Competition, Science Genius Challenge (SGC), Maths for Fun 6.0 Competition, and the Short Quiz Competition, recognising their outstanding achievements.

Ms Melissa expressed her heartfelt appreciation during the closing ceremony, saying, “To the organising committee and student helpers, thank you for your incredible dedication and hard work in making this event a success. A special thank you goes to Ms Tan Zhen Jee, the chairperson of MSF 2024, and her team for their exceptional efforts in bringing this event to life.”

Chairperson Ms Tan Zhen Jee, along with Secretary Ms Catherine See and the entire MSF 2024 committee, played a crucial role in creating an extraordinary and memorable event. Ms Tan remarked, “The committee members were truly dedicated and committed to ensuring the event ran smoothly. This includes the registration team, publicity team, food and refreshment team, logistic team and team coordinators. Without their efforts, this event wouldn’t have been such a success.”

For the first time, local schools were invited, and a lucky draw added an extra layer of excitement, attracting a crowd of 269 participants. UTAR extends its sincere gratitude to the participating schools, students, and supporters who contributed to making this event a triumph.

Group photo of the organising committee

The list of winners is as follows:

Computational Thinking Competition:

Winners of Computational Thinking Competition (from left): Competition Chairperson Ms Yeoh Li-Cheng, Ng Xing Yee (representative), Low Lik How (representative) and Yap Ern Ru (representative)

Science Genius Challenge (SGC)

Winners of Science Genius Challenge Competition (from left): Thiam Di Sen (representative), Lim Ting Han, Ng Yi Xuan, Sia Yi Yi (representative) and Competition Chairperson Ms Ting Jen Ching

Maths for Fun (MF²) 6.0 Competition:

Winners of Maths For Fun 6.0 Competition (from left): Ho Jia Tian, Goy Loong Khai, Ong Kim Chuan (representative), Daniel Ngieng King Hui, Competition Chairperson Mr Yap San Lim, Hee Rui Yan, Mun Jo Ee, and Carlos Wong

Short Quiz Competition:

Winners of Short Quiz Competition (from left): Natthawat Liew, Tan Quan Shiun, Ho Jia Tian, Ms Tan Zhen Jee, Maximilian Tioven, and Ng Bren Da

Highlights of the event:

Foundation in Science student explaining how enzyme works at Biology Workshop

CFS Science student Leong Kai Xuan explaining chromatography process at Biology Workshop

CFS Department of Science and Engineering Head Ms Kong Jee Kim explaining base numbers to SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long students

CFS Science student Jason explaining colour wheel at Physics Workshop

SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long trying their hands at yarn braiding at Chemistry Workshop

CFS Lecturer Ms Yeoh Li-Cheng explaining colour mixer in binary at IT Workshop

Participants making crafts using recycled items at Green Campus Committee booth

Participants exploring molecular behaviour through “shrink wrap experiment” at Science Workshop

CFS lecturer Ms Amelia Chiang Kar Mun making keychains for participants at Science Workshop

SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long (top) and SMK Bandar Utama Damansara 4 (bottom) students learning binary colour mixer at IT workshop

Emcee hosting the short quiz competition for the school students

SMK Bandar Baru Sungai Long emerged as the winner