Led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, the programme aims to strengthen students’ interest in science, technology, innovation and mathematics through practical learning.
ENGINEERING and science came to life for 413 school students across Perak through a series of hands-on activities organised by Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) as part of a national STEM outreach programme.
The activities, which included building stable towers, producing nylon, programming traffic lights and modelling blood cells, were carried out under Program STI 100³, an initiative connecting 100 scientists with 100 schools over 100 days.
Led by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education, the programme aims to strengthen students’ interest in science, technology, innovation and mathematics through practical learning.
Launched in September 2024, Program STI 100³ was also recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for achieving the highest participation of scientists and schools in a STEM programme.
Between December 2025 and March 2026, six UTAR academics conducted three-session programmes at six schools in Perak, with activities tailored to students’ learning levels and the academics’ areas of expertise.
At SMK Darul Ridwan in Taiping, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology (FEGT) dean Ir Prof Dr Ng Choon Aun led activities for 60 Form Three and Form Four students covering environmental civil engineering, occupational safety and health, electronic engineering, integrated circuit design and biotechnology.
Students made environmentally friendly coasters using green concrete mixed with recycled eggshells and coffee grounds. They also explored how glove materials protect against chemical penetration, learnt safe lifting techniques, tested self-designed structures and created three-dimensional blood cell models using non-toxic polymer clay.
At SMK Seri Keledang in Ipoh, FEGT Department of Chemical Engineering head Dr Leong Sim Siong coordinated activities for 64 Form Four students, who explored civil, construction, electronic, industrial and chemical engineering.
The students built towers using limited materials, prepared concrete, optimised a simulated manufacturing process and conducted experiments involving nylon production and electrolysis.
Meanwhile, FEGT MEng (Electronic Systems) programme head Ts Dr Lee Han Kee introduced 44 Form Four students at SMK Jalan Tasek, Ipoh, to chemical, industrial and electronic engineering.
Besides producing nylon and conducting electrolysis experiments, the students took part in an assembly challenge aimed at improving manufacturing efficiency and used Arduino sets to build a working traffic-light system.
At SMK Methodist (ACS) Sitiawan, FEGT academic Dr Lim Hooi Ren guided 75 Form Three students through experiments involving nylon and hydrogen production, giving them practical exposure to chemical reactions and the role of chemical and electronic engineering in industrial processes and modern technology.
For 70 Year Six pupils at SJK(C) Chung Huah in Kampar, FEGT academic Assoc Prof Ir Ts Dr Toh Pey Yi adopted an age-appropriate approach centred on experimentation and problem-solving.
The pupils connected electronic blocks to create simple circuits, produced nylon, constructed magnets and tackled stick puzzles involving mathematical reasoning.
At SMJK Tsung Wah, UTAR Division of Programme Promotion director and head of STEAM Outreach Dr Ong Kiah Ju demonstrated how the arts could be used to make science more accessible.
Her programme began with a talk on STEM education and career pathways before moving to a Creative Science Drama Workshop involving 100 students from Form One to Form Five.
Through storytelling and performance, the students presented scientific topics including carbon-14, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, blood types and the human body’s resistance to germs.
The activity also aimed to strengthen their communication, teamwork and presentation skills, with 19 teachers taking part in the programme.
Survey findings showed positive changes in students’ interest and awareness following the activities.
At SMK Darul Ridwan, the mean score for interest in science, technology and innovation increased from 3.62 before the programme to 4.40 afterwards, while awareness rose from 3.61 to 4.41. The mean score for STEM career aspirations also increased from 3.68 to 4.49.
At SMK Seri Keledang, overall accuracy in the knowledge assessment increased from 68.08% to 72.21%, while SJK(C) Chung Huah recorded an increase in correct answers from 377 before the programme to 399 afterwards.
The university said the activities were designed to make scientific concepts more tangible by allowing students to build, test, observe and perform.
It added that the programme gave participants an opportunity to understand how classroom knowledge could lead to careers in engineering, research and technology, while encouraging them to approach everyday challenges as curious and capable problem-solvers.
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