UTAR inspires secondary school students through STEAM outreach programmes

Strengthening its ties with the community, UTAR carried out a series of outreach and educational programmes at secondary schools in January 2026, engaging thousands of students through hands-on learning experiences and knowledge-sharing sessions focused on science, technology and innovation.

STEAM Workshop at SMK Horley Methodist, Teluk Intan

On 13 January 2026, UTAR’s STEAM Outreach team, in collaboration with the Faculty of Science (FSc), the Faculty of Information and Communication Technology (FICT) and the Division of Programme Promotion (DPP), organised a STEAM Workshop at SMK Horley Methodist, Teluk Intan. The programme involved 267 students from Form 1, Form 2, Form 4 and Form 5, who took part in a variety of interactive activities designed to spark interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

The AI Made Fun session was conducted by FICT academics, namely Ts Dr Saw Seow Hui and Cik Nurul Syafidah binti Jamil, together with postgraduate students Fong Kar Yan and Chee Jin Nan, and introduced students to basic artificial intelligence concepts through motion detection and object tracking. Science-based activities such as Lemon Battery and Surface Tension were led by FSc academics Dr Ong Siew Teng, Dr Mohamad Fahrul Radzi bin Hanifah and Dr Yip Foo Win, allowing students to explore electricity generation and liquid behaviour through hands-on experiments.

Students exploring basic AI concepts through the interactive AI Made Fun activity

In addition, logical and mathematical thinking was enhanced through activities including Vacuum Effect, Prime Number and Guess Your Number, facilitated by FSc academics Mr Liew Kah Fai, Dr Lem Kong Hoong and Dr Chin Fung Yuen, as well as Sudoku, Free Flow and Magic V, conducted by Ms Song Poh Choo, Dr Nur Amalina binti Mat Jan and Dr Lim Huai Tein. These engaging sessions encouraged creativity, problem-solving skills and active student participation in a fun learning environment

Students developing logical thinking and problem-solving skills through Sudoku, Free Flow and Magic V activities

Students exploring science concepts through Lemon Battery and Surface Tension activities

Students engaging in hands-on science and logic activities

Continuing its outreach efforts, UTAR was invited to SMJK Chong Hwa Kuala Lumpur on 15 January 2026 to conduct educational talks on Solar Energy and Electrostatic Charge for more than 600 Form 2 and Form 3 students. Organised in collaboration with the DPP, the session featured academics from the Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science (LKC FES), namely Ir Prof Dr Lim Boon Han and Ir Prof Dr Chua Kein Huat, who is also the Chairperson of the Centre for Railway Infrastructure and Engineering. Prof Lim delivered a talk on solar energy and electricity, highlighting fundamental concepts of renewable energy and its real-world applications, while Prof Chua shared insights into solar photovoltaic systems research in tropical regions through interactive explanations and demonstrations.

Prof Lim (standing, third from left) and Prof Chua together with the teachers and students from SMJK Chong Hwa Kuala Lumpur

Students listening attentively to Prof Lim

Interactive learning on solar photovoltaic systems

On 17 January 2026, UTAR further expanded its community engagement initiatives by conducting a series of artificial intelligence (AI) talks at Kuen Cheng High School Kuala Lumpur, for more than 3,000 students. UTAR President, Ir Prof Dato’ Dr Ewe Hong Tat, delivered an inspiring talk titled “未来不是属于最聪明的人，而是最会学习的人— 在智能时代，找到属于你的天赋与方向”, encouraging students to embrace lifelong learning, identify their strengths and navigate their future with confidence in an AI-driven world. This was followed by a session by LKC FES academic Assoc Prof Dr Kwan Ban Hoe, who spoke on “AI 风险与安全：打造负责任的数字公民”, raising awareness of AI ethics, risks and online safety, and emphasising the importance of responsible digital citizenship.

Prof Dato’ Ewe delivering his talk

Prof Dato’ Ewe (middle) with the students

The hall filled with students

Through these meaningful initiatives, UTAR reaffirmed its commitment to promoting quality education, innovation and sustainable development while strengthening partnerships with secondary schools. By bridging academic expertise with community needs, the University continues to play an active role in nurturing knowledgeable, ethical and future-ready learners equipped to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven society.