Nurturing interest in science
UNIVERSITI Kuala Lumpur Institute of Medical Science Technology (UniKL Mestech) recently hosted its third annual Science Challenge competition, which saw the participation of 14 secondary schools.
The competition has become a signature event attracting outstanding schools to compete in numerous challenges designed to promote an interactive and cooperative experience in science courses and encourage scientific exploration among secondary school students.
The driving forces behind the successful event were UniKL Mestech lecturer Khairul Nizam Mohd Isa and Student Recruitment and Admission Division (Marketing) officers Mohd Rusdan Yusuf and Norehan Mazlan.
Together, they worked with a number of student volunteers to design the programme, challenges and questions, which not only tested the participants’ knowledge but also their creativity, problemsolving, teamwork and leadership skills.
According to Khairul, the programme was initially designed three years ago as a promotion strategy to introduce the institute and its programmes to school teachers, counsellors and potential students.
It has since evolved into an opportunity for UniKL to contribute to a greater cause by nurturing young talents in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
The programme also provides invaluable insights into tertiary-level science courses, as well as the opportunity to gain firsthand experience working in university laboratories.
This year, the competition was separated into three categories – science and IQ quiz, lab practical and innovation.
In the latter challenge, participants were asked to build a spectacular and inventive marble run sculpture in two hours.
Although it appeared to be a simple task, the challenge tested the students’ creativity and engineering skills. They were required to apply their under standing of principles of physics such as friction and gravity into their model.
UniKL Mestech’s head of research and innovation Dr Izuddin Fahmy Abu was impressed by the level of ingenuity displayed by the participants, especially in the innovation challenge where they built complex but fully functional marble run models.
In his closing speech, he said, “The number of teams participating in this competition keeps increasing, as does the level of enthusiasm and excellence displayed by the students.
“In a way, we are also challenged to maintain but improve the Science Challenge programme parallel with the level of knowledge that the students possess.
“We will continue to inspire students to delve into the vast areas of STEM.”
This year, SMK Tinggi Kajang clinched the champion’s trophy and a cash prize worth RM1,000 after winning two of the three categories in the competition.
In second place was SMK Jalan Empat, Bandar Baru Bangi, which won a RM600 cash prize and a trophy. In third place was SMK King George V, Seremban, which netted RM400 and a trophy.
Other participating schools were SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan, Sekolah Seri Puteri, SMK Jalan Tiga, SMK Convent (M) Kajang, SM Sri AlAmin Bangi, SMK Kajang Utama, Kolej Tunku Kurshiah, SMA Persekutuan Kajang, SMK Bandar Rinching, SM Sains Perempuan Seremban and SMK Cheras Jaya.
For the past three years, only schools within the Hulu Langat, Kuala Lumpur and Seremban districts were invited to participate in the challenge.
Realising the impact of such a programme on triggering students’ interest in STEM, UniKL Mestech is committed to expanding the programme and inviting more schools throughout the country.
■ For more information about UniKL Mestech, visit www.unikl.edu.my or call 038739 5894.