A foundation for the next generation, science for tomorrow — the NextGen Science 2025 committee celebrating the success of the event.
When it comes to pre-university education, students and parents seek more than just academic excellence. They value meaningful experiences that ignite curiosity, build confidence and nurture real-world skills.
At the Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) Kampar Campus, learning extends beyond textbooks. It is about inspiring the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and changemakers.
Over the years, CFS Kampar has taken proactive steps to organise impactful educational outreach initiatives that engage school students and foster a love for learning.
Through these projects, the centre has not only affirmed its role as a leading provider of foundation education but has also positioned itself as an active contributor to youth development and community enrichment.
A key highlight among its outreach programmes is the “NextGen Science 2025”, held recently at the UTAR Kampar campus. Organised by CFS Kampar in collaboration with the Confucius Institute at UTAR, the two-day event drew together hundreds of curious young minds from various secondary schools to explore the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Designed to ignite scientific interest through interactive exhibitions, hands-on experiments and lively science-themed competitions, the event served as a creative and inspiring platform for secondary and pre-university students. Not only did participants engage with UTAR lecturers and student facilitators, but they also experienced first-hand the excitement of scientific discovery in a vibrant campus setting. The success of NextGen Science 2025 demonstrated UTAR’s dedication to cultivating interest in STEM from an early age, while also promoting science literacy and innovation among school students.
Another notable initiative was “Knowledge Masters Quiz Challenge 2024”, which attracted more than 380 enthusiastic students from over 35 schools across Perak and Selangor. Organised by CFS Kampar, the event provided a lively platform for students to test their general knowledge, quick thinking, and teamwork in a competitive yet enjoyable setting.
Complementing these outreach programmes was the “Microbotics and Edukit Design Workshop”, and specifically designed for Tamil school students in the Kinta Selatan district. This hands-on workshop introduced participants to the basics of robotics and circuitry using beginner-friendly Edukits and microcontroller programming.
Further strengthening its connection with local schools, CFS Kampar has also collaborated with Shen Jai High School to host the annual “5cience Xplain” science fair, since 2022. This engaging fair is designed to spark scientific curiosity through interactive exhibits, live experiments and creative presentations delivered by UTAR Foundation students. Now in its third consecutive year, 5cience Xplain has consistently showcased the talent and innovation of UTAR students, who take the lead in designing demonstrations that make science fun and accessible. With topics ranging from chemistry to physics, the fair not only entertains but also motivates school students to think critically and explore scientific concepts with enthusiasm. Events such as 5cience Xplain also exemplify meaningful collaboration between higher education institutions and secondary schools. They provide students with a glimpse into future academic pathways and career opportunities in science and technology, cultivating aspirations from a young age.
What truly distinguishes CFS Kampar is the active participation of its Foundation students and academic staff in these outreach projects. Every initiative is carefully planned to encourage student involvement, not only among school students but also UTAR’s own Foundation students, who contribute as organisers, facilitators, and mentors.
UTAR offers over 140 programmes, from Foundation Studies to Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in diverse fields such as Accounting, Business, Finance and Economics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics and Process Management, Agriculture and Food Science, Arts, Social Sciences and Education, Chinese Studies, Creative Industries, Digital Animation, Multimedia and Design, Engineering and Built Environment, Information and Communication Technology, Life and Physical Sciences, as well as Medicine and Health Sciences.
To learn more, visit www.utar.edu.my or contact 05-468 8888 (Kampar campus) or 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long campus). Feel free to walk in or call for any enquiries on weekdays from 9am to 5pm (closed on public holidays).
