KUALA LUMPUR: Students must be equipped with academic knowledge combined with practical skills, critical thinking, effective communication and problem-solving abilities to handle this increasingly complex and rapid changing world, says Tan Sri Chan Kong Choy.
The TAR UMT Board of Governors chairman said the younger generation needed to be able to apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems, particularly as technological advancements continued to reshape industries and the way people worked and learned.
“We need to nurture individuals who can think critically, adapt to change, communicate effectively and apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems,” Chan said at the closing and award ceremony of the inaugural STEAM @ TAR UMT 2026 at Red Bricks Theatre, TAR UMT Arena, yesterday.
He said Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education was important as it encouraged students to combine technical capabilities with creativity, imagination and human-centred thinking.
Chan said while artificial intelligence changed how people worked and learned, automation and robotics were reshaping industries.
He said sustainability and environmental challenges also required new and innovative solutions.
He added that innovation was not simply about developing new technologies, but also about understanding problems, challenging conventional thinking and creating solutions that could improve people’s lives.
Chan said the initiative, first announced in June, aimed to provide a platform for young Malaysians to explore STEAM beyond the traditional classroom.
The three-day event, which began on Nov 13, brought together students, educators, industry experts and technology enthusiasts to exchange ideas, develop new skills and experience the practical applications of STEAM.
According to the event’s statistics, 2,700 student registrations were recorded, while 140 were teachers and 200 from schools and centres.
The programme featured competitions including STEAMverse, InnovateX, Robot Combat, STEAM x EnjoyAI and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Esports, giving participants opportunities to demonstrate their technical knowledge, creativity, teamwork, communication and problem-solving abilities.
Exhibitions, technology demonstrations and hands-on workshops also provided exposure to emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and digital innovation.
Chan said the initiative aimed to bring together schools, universities, industry partners and professional organisations to promote STEAM education and nurture Malaysia’s future talent.
He expressed hope that it would continue to grow in the coming years, reaching more schools, engaging more students and creating greater opportunities for collaboration.
Addressing the participants, he encouraged them not to be afraid of failure, describing it as an important part of learning and discovery.
He said their greatest achievement was having the courage to participate, experiment and challenge themselves, regardless of whether they received an award.
Chan also hoped the experience would inspire them to continue exploring science and technology and eventually pursue careers as engineers, scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs or innovators.
“Malaysia’s future depends on young talents like you,” he said.
Also present were TAR UMT president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei, vice-president Prof Dr Loke Chui Fung, organising chairman of STEAM @ TAR UMT and dean of the Engineering and Technology Faculty (FOET) Assoc Prof Dr Lim Li Li, vice-chairman of STEAM @ TAR UMT and FOET programme leader Prof Dr Goh Kam Weng, Kuala Lumpur Education Department director Megat Affandi Ismail, TAR UMT vice-president Assoc Prof Dr Chook Ka Joo and TAR UMT Alumni Council chairman Datuk Chan Wah Kiang.
