UMPSA and Pekan District Education Office to implement programmes to spark students’ interest in STEM

PEKAN, 7 May 2024 – Education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains a key focus in the nation’s efforts to empower its human capital. However, major challenges still hinder this effort.

The meeting between the Pekan District Education Office (PPD) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) is expected to explore opportunities for collaboration, particularly in STEM Programmes, educational visits to UMPSA, and other initiatives aimed at attracting students to pursue careers in STEM fields.

Representing PPD Pekan were the Deputy District Education Officer (Student Development), Zaifol Bahrizan Mohammad Zam; Deputy District Education Officer (Learning), Norazizi Fain; Assistant District Education Officer (Student Talent Development – Sports), Kamal Hisham Dato’ Haji Ibrahim; and Assistant District Education Officer (Student Talent Development – Co-curriculum), Mohamad Hazrul Hafiz Mahmad Safian.

Welcoming the delegation were the Vice-Chancellor of UMPSA, Professor Dr. Yatimah Alias and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Professor Ts. Dr. Aida Mustapha, who is also carrying out the duties of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni).

According to Professor Dr. Yatimah, the university is proud of the student’s educational progress and their success at the international level.

“This success not only demonstrates the talent and capability of the students but also the tireless efforts and commitment of the educators in honing scientific and technological skills.

“UMPSA has expertise in various fields and welcomes efforts to enhance student excellence so they can continue their studies at the highest level,” she said.

In addition, she shared UMPSA’s aspiration to become a Centre of Excellence for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in the region or an ASEAN Advanced TVET Hub, by expanding strategic collaborations with universities in Indonesia and Thailand.

She said that this would undoubtedly benefit not only the university’s students and staff but also the local community.

Meanwhile, Zaifol Bahrizan stated that the collaboration with UMPSA has been in existence for quite some time, particularly in the fields of robotics and electronics.

“We are also planning to collaborate with the university in organising Parliamentary-style Debate programmes, Cultural Dance Festivals, Pahang School Sports Council (MSSP) Sports, and others.

“The Robotics Team from Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Permatang Keledang, Pekan, has also brought pride to the nation when they won a gold medal in the Primary School Robotics Innovation category at the 26th International Robot Olympiad 2024/2025 in Busan, Korea.

“This success proves that children among the Orang Asli communities have great potential to succeed if they possess strong determination,” he said.

Therefore, he hopes that more students will become interested in robotics through the organisation of STEM Competitions and other programmes.

Also discussed were the Varsity Aspirations Programme, SULAM Programme, Profesor Turun Padang, and adopted school programmes involving schools in the Pekan district.

Also present were the General Manager of the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (JHEPA), Haryani Abdullah; Senior Director of Academic Services, Ernie Nurazlin Lizam; Director of the Centre for Corporate Communications, Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit; and Manager of the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, Muhammad Faisal Mohd Yasin.

By: Naqiah Puaad, Centre for Corporate Communications

Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, UMPSA Press