UTAR STEAM Outreach engages students in AI and STEM learning

Prof Dato’ Ewe (middle) with SMJK Chung Ling teachers and students

UTAR STEAM Outreach continued its efforts to inspire young learners through two meaningful engagements with secondary schools in November and December 2025. On 28 November 2025, a special session was held at SMJK Chung Ling, Ayer Hitam, UTAR President Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat’s alma mater, where he delivered a talk titled How Do We Prepare Ourselves for the AI Era?

The session encouraged students to embrace technological advancements with an open mind, highlighting the importance of adaptability, creativity, and continuous learning in an AI-driven future. Prof Dato’ Ewe shared practical insights on how AI is transforming various industries and emphasised the significance of building strong digital literacy skills. His engaging presentation aimed to motivate students to view AI as an opportunity rather than a challenge, inspiring them to be proactive in shaping their own future pathways.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his talk

UTAR and SMK Malim Nawar academics

On 4 December 2025, UTAR STEAM Outreach, in collaboration with the Faculty of Science (FSc) and the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP), organised a series of hands-on STEM workshops for Form Four students at SMK Malim Nawar. Among the highlights was the Chemistry Clock workshop led by FSc Department of Laboratory Management and Safety Administration Dr Ooi Zhong Xian, where students witnessed the dramatic colour change of the iodine clock reaction, illustrating how reaction rates can be manipulated through varying conditions. Another session, My Plate, My Health, facilitated by FSc academic Cik Nurul Aimi binti AB Kadir, introduced students to the fundamentals of balanced nutrition through activities such as building a healthy plate, analysing sugar content in beverages, and understanding body composition.  

A workshop on How Balloon Blowing Affects Our Breathing and Pulse Rate, conducted by FSc academic Dr Shit Chong Seng, helped students observe how the respiratory and circulatory systems respond to physical activity. Students measured their pulse rate and blood pressure before and after balloon-blowing exercises, deepening their understanding of how the body maintains oxygen circulation. Additionally, FSc Department of Agricultural and Food Science Head Dr Ali Yassoralipour demonstrated innovative biodegradable packaging materials made from agricultural waste combined with nanomaterials, showcasing sustainable solutions for improving food shelf life.

A series of hands-on STEM workshops at SMK Malim Nawar

Through these initiatives, UTAR continues to foster curiosity, scientific thinking, and future-ready skills among secondary school students, while strengthening its commitment to community engagement and educational outreach.