UTAR at the forefront of Belt and Road STEM education

UTARwas honoured to receive an invitation to participate in the 9th Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp & Teacher Workshop, held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, from 10 to 15 June 2025. The international camp brought together students and educators from across Belt and Road economies for a dynamic week of scientific exploration, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.

As a member of the Belt and Road International Science Education Coordinating Committee (BRISEC), UTAR took the lead in coordinating Malaysia’s delegation to the event. Representing the nation was a STEAM Outreach team from Kuen Cheng High School, Kuala Lumpur, consisting of one teacher and five students.

The camp, held in conjunction with the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange, provided participants with a comprehensive programme that combined academic enrichment with cultural immersion. Students attended keynote sessions delivered by international academics, participated in creative Maker Camp activities, and engaged in collaborative challenges alongside their peers from other economies.

In addition to the academic content, the programme featured visits to notable institutions such as the Sichuan Tianfu New Area, Southwest Jiaotong University, and the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Participants also had the opportunity to discover Chengdu’s rich history and culture through guided tours at the Chengdu Museum and the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. A key highlight was the intangible cultural heritage experience, which allowed students to learn traditional crafts and practices first-hand.

Another highlight of the event was the Super Roller Coaster Creative Challenge, where the Malaysian team collaborated with students from Australia to design and build a working roller coaster model. The activity encouraged cross-cultural teamwork, sparked creativity, and showcased the real-world application of physics concepts.

The camp concluded with a vibrant Friendship Night and a farewell dinner, celebrating the new international friendships formed and the shared spirit of collaboration. The experience provided students with a unique opportunity to broaden their global perspectives while gaining confidence in their ability to innovate and work with others.

For UTAR, participation in this international event reflected its ongoing mission to deliver holistic education that prepares students to become globally competent citizens. UTAR’s involvement in the 9th Belt and Road Teenager Maker Camp & Teacher Workshop marked another step forward in building stronger ties within the international STEM and STEAM education community and in inspiring the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and changemakers.