UTAR STEAM Outreach’s Stem Cell Unlocked programme inspires future biologists

UTAR STEAM Outreach, in collaboration with the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), successfully conducted the Stem Cell Unlocked: Exploring Some Basics programme for Kuen Cheng High School students from 4 November 2024 to 14 February 2025. The initiative aimed to encourage more students to pursue biology-related fields in university and spark their interest toward research in cell biology and stem cell science. 

Divided into two phases, the programme provided students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The first phase consisted of a five-week, self-paced online training course designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts in stem cell biology and its applications. The course included five short modules, with participants required to complete multiple-choice questions before progressing to the next module. This phase, which took approximately ten hours to complete, was open to all students at Kuen Cheng High School.

Based on their performance in the online course, students were shortlisted and invited to write a reflective essay on their experience with the modules and their interest in joining a five-day practical course at the UTAR Stem Cell Research Laboratory. A total of 23 students submitted essays, which were reviewed by an internal selection committee. All students who submitted essays received Certificates of Participation in recognition of their efforts.

From this pool, six students were selected to advance to Phase 2, also known as the practical training course. During the practical sessions, they were guided by academic staff and postgraduate researchers, who trained them in basic cell and molecular biology techniques, providing valuable exposure to real-world research environments.

A certificate presentation ceremony for the programme was then held on 14 February 2025 at UTAR Sungai Long Campus. The event was attended by UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Vice Presidents Ir Prof Dr Goi Bok Min and Prof Ts Dr Faidz bin Abd Rahman, STEAM Outreach Head Dr Ong Kiah Ju, CSCR Chairperson Dr Amy Saik Yi Hsan, members of the CSCR, students and parents recognising the achievements of the participants and celebrating the success of the initiative.

The success of this initiative reaffirms UTAR STEAM Outreach’s commitment to inspiring future scientists and advancing STEAM education and innovation in Malaysia.