Students trying to solve the Body Puzzle. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Students from 14 Penang schools were given a chance to see science in action at the Women in Zcience (WiZ) programme at Tech Dome Penang.
The programme is designed to encourage more girls to go into the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
For Nour Aina Farleysha Mohd Iswan Farkir, 15, it was a fun day of gaining knowledge about STEM.
Although she sometimes felt that science and technology topics could be boring as they were mostly taught via paper or videos, she found the experience at the event exciting.
“It is interesting to see live demonstrations of how fire can be put out with dry ice or even how a fire tornado is formed.
“I had never seen dry ice before this,” said the SMK Telok Kumbar student.
Nour Aina said events like this made STEM interesting.
“I am looking forward to the various activities they have in store for us throughout the year under this programme.
“I have always wanted to become an educator but was leaning towards teaching English.
“After seeing the way they showed us the different aspects of STEM, I might consider pursuing science stream next year,” she said.
SMJK Heng Ee Cawangan Bayan Baru student Teh Yee Ru, 15, who had a go at a virtual reality experience, said it was rare to be able to try out artificial intelligence tools.
“There is so much to learn and hands-on experiences like this help us better understand technology.
“I want to pursue engineering in the future. I like working with computers, this is my interest.
“I know I will be able to learn more during the various sessions they hold throughout the year and it will help me decide which type of engineering to pursue later,” she said.
Testing the Virtual Reality goggles at the WiZ event at Tech Dome Penang. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
The WiZ programme, in its ninth edition, is organised by Tech Dome Penang alongside Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
With the theme “Accelerating Young Women in STEM,” a total of 280 Form Three girls from 14 schools will be participating in the year-long initiative.
The programme includes monthly visits to Tech Dome Penang and culminates with a factory visit to allow the students to witness first-hand how learning STEM is applied in a work setting.
Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said despite remarkable achievements by women in STEM, the gender gap still persisted.
He stressed that this was not a reflection of talent or ability, but rather the challenges and biases that had existed for ages.
“Every young girl should know that a career in STEM is not just possible, but achievable.
“This is why this programme is important.
Nour Aina says events like this make STEM interesting.
“In 2023, 82% of WiZ students chose the science stream after participating in the programme. Last year, the number increased to 87%,” he said in his speech.
Khoo said the growth was proof that when young women were given the right exposure, mentorship and encouragement, they embraced STEM with confidence.
“This year, the students will have hands-on learning experiences, mentorship and direct exposure to real-world STEM applications.
“It is a comprehensive nine-month programme designed to provide continuous learning and engagement for young women in STEM,” he said.
Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, who was guest of honour at the event, said the programme had over the years engaged thousands of female students in hands-on STEM experiences.
“It has connected young women with mentors, scientists and industry leaders as well as inspired countless future engineers, researchers and innovators.
“Programmes that offer hands-on STEM workshops, ignite curiosity in young minds,” she said.
Tan, who is also a PWDC board member, said women remained under-represented in many STEM related fields despite their talent and potential.
“This is not just a missed opportunity for women but a loss for society.
“We need to assure that the future of technology and innovation include women,” she said.
Also present at the event was PWDC chief executive officer Datuk Ong Bee Leng.
