UTAR inspires over 800 students through STEAM Outreach

UTAR continues to strengthen its commitment to STEAM outreach and community engagement through a series of educational initiatives held in January 2026, reaching over 800 secondary school students across Perak and Kuala Lumpur.

On 13 January 2026, UTAR organised a STEM Workshop at SMK Horley Methodist, Teluk Intan, engaging 267 students from various forms in a range of interactive and hands-on activities. The workshop, co-organised by UTAR STEAM Outreach together with the Faculty of Science (FSc), Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT), and Division of Programme Promotion (DPP), aimed to spark interest in science and technology through experiential learning.

Students of SMK Horley Methodist in Teluk Intan

Students explored fundamental concepts through activities such as AI Made Fun, where they observed how motion detection works, gaining insight into basic artificial intelligence applications. Science experiments such as the Lemon Battery and Surface Tension introduced students to electricity generation and liquid behaviour using simple materials, while activities like Vacuum Effect, Prime Numbers, and Sudoku challenged their analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. The workshop provided a dynamic platform for students to actively engage with STEM concepts in an enjoyable and accessible manner.

SMK Horley Methodist students engaging in STEAM activities

Just two days later, on 15 January 2026, UTAR extended its outreach efforts to SMJK Chong Hwa, Kuala Lumpur, where more than 600 Form Two and Form Three students attended an educational talk on Solar Energy and Electrostatic Charge. The session was delivered by Ir Prof Dr Chua Kein Huat and Ir Prof Dr Lim Boon Han from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science, in collaboration with DPP.

The talk introduced students to the fundamentals of renewable energy and its real-world applications, with a focus on solar energy and its role in sustainable development. Through engaging explanations and interactive demonstrations, students gained a deeper understanding of how solar photovoltaic systems function, particularly in tropical environments. The session also highlighted the relevance of electricity in both natural phenomena and modern technological advancements, encouraging students to explore future pathways in science and engineering.

Group photo of students, teachers and speakers at SMJK Chong Hwa

Photos of STEM event at SMJK Chong Hwa

Both initiatives underscored UTAR’s dedication to promoting quality education and fostering interest in STEM fields among younger generations. By combining interactive workshops with informative talks, UTAR continues to inspire curiosity, enhance learning experiences, and nurture the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.