STEM Carnival brings out creative inventions among school students

Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), in collaboration with the Pahang State Department of Education, recently organized a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and Green Technology Carnival at the former’s Astaka Hall, UMP Gambang Campus on August 7, 2019.

The carnival saw about 2,000 primary and secondary school students from around the state participating in 15 programmes – among which were STEM Invention & Innovation Contest; STEM Digital Video Contest; Water Rocket Contest; Remote-controlled Airplanes Contest; Biomass Innovation Contest; and Greenhouse Architecture Contest.

The carnival was officially launched by UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin. 

Also present at the launch were Director of Industry & Community Network Centre (ICoN), Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Nurul Hazlina Noordin; and Head of Management from the Pahang State Department of Education, Abdul Rahim Muhammad Yunus. 

In his welcoming speech, Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie expressed his gratitude to the Pahang State Department of Education for the latter’s confidence in UMP to collaborate as its strategic partner for the State’s STEM and Green Technology Carnival this year.

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the carnival is an excellent initiative to cultivate the students’ interest in STEM and develop their potential, as well as to enhance their competitive trait. 

“UMP is consistently committed to support the national agenda of the Ministry of Education, including reinforcing the component of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics under Malaysia Educational Development Plan 2013-2025,” exclaimed Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie.

He stressed that UMP is consistently in search of opportunities to conduct STEM-related workshops and/or programmes at selected schools, or even at the university itself, to attract and actively engage primary and secondary school students on STEM subject matters.

One instance, and to his pleasant surprise, this year’s STEM and Green Technology Carnival saw participation of students from among all ages, to even as young as a six year-old.

Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie emphazised this goes to show that programmes associated with STEM education have proven to be successful in reaching out to the target groups, especially when conducted creatively and interactively.

He hoped the university, specifically ICoN, and the State Department of Education, will sustain this noble effort and work together on identifying new measures and intervention courses which they can collectively carry out in the face of future challenges.