Group photo during the certificate presentation ceremony
UTAR, through its STEAM Outreach initiative in collaboration with the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), played a key role in promoting STEM education at the III International Scientific Forum for School Students – Winners of International Competitions in Scientific Projects, Innovations and Technologies (ISF4Child), held in Astana, Republic of Kazakhstan, from 10 to 11 April 2025.
Running from 9 to 11 April 2025 under the theme Scientific Education, Innovation, and Youth – The Foundation of Sustainable Development, the forum gathered educators, researchers, and young talents from around the world to encourage cross-border collaboration in science and innovation.
During the two-day seminar and training session, LKC FES Department of Chemical Engineering Assoc Prof Dr Gulnaziya Issabayeva, led a workshop titled Outcome-Based Learning in STEM: Concepts, Implementation, and Best Practices for the teachers. The session introduced Kazakhstan school teachers to the principles of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and highlighted its role in helping students achieve course learning outcomes. It also covered effective curriculum design and instructional strategies to support meaningful learning. Participants explored how OBE strengthens STEAM education through constructive alignment of curriculum, learning activities, and assessment, and took part in group discussions and presentations. Teachers were encouraged to reflect on current practices and jointly explore new approaches to applying OBE in their classrooms.
Meanwhile, STEAM Outreach Head Dr Ong Kiah Ju conducted a Creative Science Drama Workshop, which explored integrating performing arts into science education. This hands-on session introduced the concept of script-free science drama, encouraging educators to use storytelling, acting, and creative expression to help students communicate scientific concepts. The workshop aimed to promote science learning through creative drama, stimulate creativity and innovation, build students’ confidence and communication skills, and generate greater interest in STEAM through an engaging, hands-on approach.
UTAR’s participation in ISF4Child reflects the growing international cooperation in educational innovation. The forum, held under the “Children in Science” project, was initiated by the International Centre of Scientific Collaborations in partnership with the Department of Education of the Astana City Akimat and the Center for the Identification and Support of Gifted Children and Talented Youth “Astana Daryny”. It was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Institute of Intellectual Property of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Qazpatent), the International Scientific and Educational Consortium "One Belt, One Road" (BRISEC), and in cooperation with the Zhiyembayev Kazakh Institute for Plant Protection and Quarantine, the Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction, and the West Kazakhstan Branch of the National Academy of Engineering of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The two-day event concluded with participants’ presentations and a certificate ceremony. UTAR’s involvement at the forum marked a meaningful contribution to global academic exchange and reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to educational innovation. Through its STEAM Outreach initiatives, the University continues to foster international partnerships and advance holistic, impactful learning across borders.Dr Ong (second from left) and Dr Gulnaziya (far right) at the event
Dr Gulnaziya conducting the Outcome-Based Learning in STEM: Concepts, Implementation, and Best Practices workshop
Participants showcasing their creative science drama performance
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