The Science Show led by Petrosains’ science communicators, showcases interactive experiments and demonstrations designed to inspire curiosity and a love for STEM among visitors.
Petrosains celebrates 25th anniversary by empowering communities with accessible STEM education
SCIENCE, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education plays a pivotal role in nurturing curiosity, fostering innovation and equipping communities with skills for the future.
In line with this vision, Petrosains, The Discovery Centre marked its 25th anniversary with an array of workshops and activities that kicked off with the “Anniversary Carnival” earlier in March, reaffirming its dedication to advancing STEM education among communities across Malaysia.
Learning became more impactful through hands-on activities, evidenced by 12-year-old Muhammad Akil, from the indigenous Jahai community.
He also participated in the Petrosains Tech4All experiment-based workshop – specially curated by Petrosains for indigenous children – to make learning experiences in robotics more accessible. Akil helps his father on the farm after school, but despite his often packed schedule, he was thrilled to join the Petrosains Tech4All programme because of his love for robots.
Akil participated in an experiment-based workshop specially curated for indigenous children to make learning experiences in robotics more accessible.
Through the programme, he discovered how his favourite subject – mathematics – connects with robotics.
“This is so much fun. I love playing with robots and learning how they work,” said the 12-year-old.
Similarly, 11-year-old Diana from Sekolah Kebangsaan RPS Dala in Perak was captivated by her first experience in robotics. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with robotics, she took to coding and programming quite effortlessly.
This was a potentially life-changing experience for Diana, who hails from a large family of 21. Her parents, both farmers, plant corn, tubers and cassava leaves to make ends meet.
She also witnesses her elder brothers, who have completed their studies, working as rubber tappers to support their family financially.
Diana, meanwhile, has a passion for drawing and dreams of becoming an architect, so that she can be involved in building structures that bring positive change to her community.
A student putting all his focus in the Robo Tracer competition during the Petrosains RBTX Challenge 2024.
Making STEM accessible
Since its establishment in 1999, Petrosains has enriched lives through interactive exhibits and STEM programmes, striving to make STEM education accessible to all.
This mission aligns with its role as the social impact arm of PETRONAS, committed to fostering science literacy and lifelong learning.
As part of its silver jubilee celebration, Petrosains collaborated with International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), the Education Ministry, various state education departments and the Orang Asli Development Department, to deliver Petrosains Tech4All workshops across the country.
The programme benefitted 385 indigenous participants and empowered them to explore STEM learning through skill-building activities.
Participants competing in the Robo Sumo challenge during the Petrosains RBTX Challenge 2024.
Winners of these workshops went on to participate in the Petrosains RBTX Challenge 2024, under a newly introduced sub-category, “Innovation: Indigenous Culture and Technology”.
This initiative empowered indigenous students to leverage STEM knowledge for sustainable solutions.
The Petrosains RBTX Challenge has empowered more than 77,000 robotics enthusiasts since its inception in 2018.
The competition also includes the Robo Tracer challenge, a time-based obstacle course; Robo Sumo challenge, where two robots battle within a ring; and Innovation: Net Zero Carbon Emissions challenge, where participants devise innovative, eco-friendly solutions.
Fostering sustainability awareness
In line with PETRONAS’ sustainability goals and vision to be a progressive energy and solutions partner that enriches lives for a sustainable future, Petrosains is also dedicated to inspiring a culture of sustainable consumption and innovation.
These include science shows covering themes on clean energy solutions, greenhouse gases, circular economy, biodiversity, carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), and ecosystem topics, as well as the Energy Capsule at Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, which incorporates a new narrative focused on energy transition and sustainable needs.
The Sustainability Gallery at Petrosains also serves as a one-stop centre to showcase PETRONAS’ ongoing sustainability journey in an accessible and engaging manner.
Visitors are introduced to sustainable innovations and solutions, such as CCUS, to gain a better understanding of key sustainability issues.
Furthering its commitment to sustainability, Petrosains hosted the Petrosains Science Drama Competition 2024, themed “Global Sustainability: Nations in Action”.
This platform has engaged over 3,500 students since 2019, promoting environmental stewardship and supporting Malaysia’s net zero carbon aspirations under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).
Celebrating 25 years
Celebrating 25 years of operation since its inception in 1999, Petrosains has engaged and inspired more than 33 million individuals through an array of physical, and online learning and development platforms.
This year, up until November, Petrosains has welcomed over 717,000 visitors to its science centre at Suria KLCC, alongside tens of thousands more to its PlaySmart centres in Johor Baru, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.
Looking ahead, Petrosains will continue to collaborate with key partners and stakeholders to expand STEM access and inspire Malaysia’s future innovators.
In its 25th year, Petrosains remains steadfast in its mission to empower communities through STEM education, shaping a sustainable and innovative future for all.
