Varsity aims to empower communities through STEM, sustainability programmes
The field of microbotics has long epitomised cutting-edge innovation, alongside transformative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and quantum computing.
Despite its potential, microbotics remains a relatively new and niche concept, especially among younger learners in Malaysia.
Recognising the importance of preparing pupils for a rapidly advancing world, the Education Ministry introduced Design and Technology (RBT) in the Year Four curriculum in 2020.
To inspire interest in RBT among young learners, the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) (Kampar Campus) collaborated with the Kinta Selatan District Education Office (PPD) and Tamil primary schools in the district to organise the Microbotics and Edukit Design Workshop. The event took place at the varsity’s Kampar Campus on Nov 26 last year.
Some 80 pupils and teachers from SJK(T) Mambang Diawan, SJK(T) Kampar, SJK(T) Ladang Kampar, SJK(T) Methodist Malim Nawar, SJK(T) Gopeng, SJK(T) Ladang Kota Bahroe, SJK(T) Kinta Valley, SJK(T) Changkat and SJK(T) Tronoh participated in the workshop.
The event aimed to enhance understanding and fostering interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with a focus on robotics, coding and microbotics.
In his welcome remarks, Kinta Selatan deputy district education officer (student development sector) Muhammad Azizan Abdullah said STEM is becoming a significant trend that must not be ignored.
“Through this workshop, we provide an opportunity for both pupils and educators to learn technology in an adaptive and interactive way.
“This is a small yet important step to improving education in Malaysia.
“Together with schools, I hope we can plan more programmes for primary school pupils in the future, further strengthening their knowledge of microbotics,” he said.
Muhammad Azizan officiated the workshop on behalf of district education officer Dr Mior Hamdan Ghazali.
Highlighting the importance of learning robotics at an early age, CFS (Kampar Campus) director Tan Lee Siew said pupils must start learning these skills at a very young age so that they are prepared for a future driven by technology.
One of UTAR’s goals is to engage with communities and grow alongside them, she said.
“We believe in the transformative power of education to shape not just individuals but also entire communities.
“We hope to not only expose pupils to the basics of robotics, but also empower them to eventually contribute back to society,” she said in a press release.
Encouraging pupils to build a basic understanding of robotics, organising chairperson Devagi Erusan said the workshop aimed not only to teach pupils how to build microbots, but also to ignite a passion for STEM and demonstrate how technology can be used to solve global challenges.
“One of the biggest challenges we face in today’s education is ensuring that pupils are exposed to a well-rounded curriculum, one that does not just focus on traditional subjects, but also gives equal importance to STEM,” she said.
“While language subjects are crucial, it is essential that we also foster critical thinking, problem-solving and technical skills that the pupils need in the rapidly evolving world.
“As educators, we have the power to inspire and shape the next generation of engineers, scientists and problem solvers,” she added.
Meanwhile, on Nov 23, the UTAR Faculty of Creative Industries staff and students from the Bachelor of Corporate Communication programme organised a recycling camp in collaboration with the varsity’s soft skills competency department and Auckland University of Technology students at SJK(C) Kampung Baru Paroi in Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
Dubbed “The Zero Waste: Recycle, Reuse, Rejoice (Leadership and Team Building)”, the event, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability, drew some 150 pupils, who participated in a series of interactive and creative activities centred on environmental sustainability.
At the end of the event, prizes were presented to recognise pupils who demonstrated exceptional leadership and teamwork skills during the camp.
