All things STEM at KLESF

We want to expose everyone to the fun of learning Maths and Science, says Prof Lee.

BACK for the sixth year, the Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF) is set to be bigger and better, with fun, interactive and interesting activities for parents and students to familiarise themselves with science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

“The KLESF is open to all and will be an informative platform for people of all age groups to truly understand STEM education and its significance.

“Through this fair, we want to expose them to the fun of learning Maths and Science, ” said KLESF organising committee chairman Prof Dr Lee Sze Wei.

Prof Lee, who is also Tunku Abdul Rahman University College president, said the fair is aimed at increasing awareness on the importance of STEM education.

Among the programmes that will be held at the fair include STEM hands-on experiments, Industry STEM exhibition and NGOs, government agencies and universities’ STEM exhibition.

“We began this fair because we noticed a decline in interest for STEM among school students.

“We wanted to do something about it and address the issue in a way where it can complement what the students are studying in schools.

“It’s important to start from young or else, by the time they enter upper secondary, instilling awareness on STEM education in them will be too late.

“Eventually, Science and Maths may not be their preference because of the nature of as well as the unfavourable perception towards the subjects, ” Prof Lee said, adding that more than 400 schools take part in the fair each year.

Datuk Hong Lee Pee who is with the KLESF organising committee, said he is happy with the impact the fair has made so far.

“In the past, the participating schools only had one science class out of 10, ” he said.

The 15th Malaysia Festival of the Mind will be held in conjunction with the KLESF.

KLESF is jointly organised by Asean Academy of Engineering and Technology, the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Institution of Engineers Malaysia and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission.

The KLESF will be held from 9am to 6pm from Nov 1 to 3 at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), Jalan Dulang, Mines Wellness City, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. Admission is free.

For more information, send e-mail to [e-mail] or visit www.klesf.net or www.facebook.com/KLESF. - By SANDHYA MENON