Young visitors to the Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in Suria KLCC getting a confetti shower during the launch of the centre’s 25th anniversary carnival.
PETROSAINS, The Discovery Centre held a three-day anniversary carnival of science-inspired fun with a host of workshops, activities and expert sessions as it celebrates 25 years of inspiring a culture of science, technology and innovation.
Nearly 30,000 visitors made their way to Petrosains in Kuala Lumpur and its four satellite PlaySmart centres in Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuantan and Kuching over the three days where the first 25 visitors at all the centres received special gifts.
The launch of the carnival at Petrosains in Suria KLCC was launched by a member of the Petrosains board of directors. Syed M Muhafiz Syed M Bakar.
One of the highlights at Petrosains was the Night at The Discovery Centre event with activities such as an LED light drum show and performance by local artistes Insomniacks.
During the carnival, Petrosains visiting hours was extended to 10pm from the usual 6.30pm, while 50 visitors with the best science-themed costumes received gifts.
Mohd Zalani, 45, who came with his family from Terengganu, found the carnival an “unforgettable experience.”
“The (carnival) ‘passport’ was a useful guide for us when exploring the exhibits and gallery station by station,” said the lecturer in engineering at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.
His daughter, Ifah, 13, who is passionate about biology and biofuel, won a quiz in the meet-the-expert session on algae fuel of the future during the first day of the carnival.
She said the session helped her gain valuable insights into sustainability and carbon emission mitigation, which deepened her understanding of the issues beyond what she had learned in school.
Her sister, Aisyah, nine, had fun with the “dinosaurs” at the Geotime Diorama, while Omar, 16, was happy he could drive on a virtual racetrack on the F1 simulator at the SPEED! gallery.
At the carnival, the Upcycling and Mangrove Show touched on biodiversity and sustainability; Cool Chemistry and Cryogenic Show was about the principles of chemistry; and the Drone and Laser Show featured technological advancements.
Other activities included batik painting, terrarium building, the Infinity Illusion booth, caricature drawing, interactive games, and performances by artistes Neeta Manis and Sarah Suhairi.
“The Petrosains 25th anniversary carnival is our way of celebrating and paying tribute to our visitors, communities and people from all over who have supported us these two and a half decades,” said Petrosains chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad.
“Over the years, we’ve had school groups, families, young adults and tourists from all over the world.
“Our humble purpose has always been to provide a meaningful and inspiring experience to enhance STEM literacy among communities everywhere, in the hope that more young people will embrace a culture of creativity and innovation driven by science and technology – with the goal of supporting the nation in talent building.”
As the social impact arm of PETRONAS, Petrosains is committed to igniting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) based on an immersive, experiential and interactive approach to learning.
Since it began operations in 1999, Petrosains and its satellite centres have reached 26 million people through a range of physical as well as online learning and development platforms.
With some 300 exhibits, Petrosains offers diverse exhibitions in themed galleries, including:
> Space – an exploration of the wonders of astronomy.
> Paleo to Petroleum – insights into life on Earth during prehistoric times.
> Sparkz – introducing basic science concepts through hands-on approaches.
> Platform – offering a realistic experience of an offshore oil rig.
> Molecule Nano World – showcasing the marvels of chemistry and petrochemicals.
> SPEED – newly upgraded in January this year, with the addition of a stunning replica of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 W13 that British racing driver George Russell drove in his debut season with team Mercedes in 2022 in Formula One.
Petrosains also places strong emphasis on sustainability through STEM learning, featuring the Energy Capsule – an autonomous ride offering light and music experiences, narrating the next technological revolution required to address current real-world issues and future challenges.
Similarly, the Sustainability Gallery aims to educate visitors on measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as exploring new energy options and integrated solutions to meet the global demand for energy.
Petrosains won the bronze in the entertainment category of the Putra Brand Awards 2023.
