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Recently, the School of Engineering (SoE) at Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future innovators through a three-day mission-driven Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach initiative held in collaboration with Sekolah Kebangsaan Marian Convent (SKMC), Setapak.

Led by Ms Fatin Ayuni Mohd Suhaimi (Lecturer, SoE at APU), the structured STEM knowledge transfer programme aimed to spark early interest in engineering, while bringing engineering concepts to life through engaging, hands-on learning experiences, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 4, 9, and 17 (SDG 4, SDG 9, and SDG 17).

The programme also received support from:

1. Ir Dr Wong Siew Fan (Senior Lecturer, SoE at APU)
2. Ir Ts Dr Reena Sri Selvarajan (Senior Lecturer, SoE at APU)
3. Mr Muhammad Safri Basruddin (Lecturer cum Engineering Lab Technician, SoE at APU)
4. APU Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter (APU SPE SC) committee members
    

Day One: Kickstarting Curiosity

The programme began with an engaging STEM briefing and demonstration session led by lecturers from SoE, who introduced fundamental engineering concepts in a way that was both accessible and inspiring for young learners.

Through interactive explanations and real-time demonstrations, students were able to see abstract ideas come to life, sparking their curiosity and encouraging them to ask questions.

The session also offered students a preview of the hands-on challenges they would tackle in the second day, helping them connect theoretical concepts with practical applications.

This dynamic introduction successfully set the stage for the subsequent activities, igniting enthusiasm and laying a solid foundation for creative exploration and problem-solving throughout the programme. 

Day Two: From Ideas to Action

The second day of the programme was filled with dynamic, hands-on challenges designed to engage different age groups and encourage students to put engineering principles into practice; creatively and collaboratively.

Standard 4 students tackled the Balloon and Straw Tower Challenge, experimenting with balance, stability, and structural design, as they constructed free-standing towers.

Standard 5 students participated in the Bridge Building Challenge, where they designed and assembled bridges using ice cream sticks, learning firsthand about load distribution, tension, and structural strength.

Standard 6 students faced the Motorised Car Obstacle Challenge, assembling Direct Current (DC) motor-powered cars and testing them along a two-metre obstacle course, applying mechanical and electrical engineering concepts in a fun, interactive setting.

Throughout the challenges, students displayed remarkable teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

These activities provided an immersive platform for experiential learning, reinforcing theoretical concepts, while giving students the satisfaction of seeing their ideas transformed into tangible, functioning projects. 

Day Three: Celebrating Achievements

Following the excitement and hands-on learning from the STEM briefing, demonstrations, and challenges on the previous days, the programme concluded with a meaningful closing ceremony, certificate presentation, and summary session.

The Principal of SKMC formally presented a Certificate of “Jalinan Kerjasama” to APU, in recognition of the successful collaboration and commitment to advancing STEM education.
 

The ceremony celebrated not only the hard work and accomplishments of the participating students, but also the strong and ongoing partnership between APU and SKMC in nurturing young learners’ interest in innovation.

It provided an opportunity to reflect on the programme’s overall impact, highlighting how experiential learning, teamwork, and creativity had empowered students to explore STEM concepts in a practical and engaging way. 

A shared Commitment to Sustainable Education

The STEM knowledge transfer programme was a meaningful initiative that brought together academic expertise and community engagement to inspire young learners, which, according to Assoc Prof Ir Dr Siva Kumar Sivanesan (Head, SoE at APU), successfully fostered early interest in STEM education through practical and experiential learning.

“By integrating hands-on activities with real-world applications, the programme not only enhanced students’ confidence in STEM education, but also reinforced the importance of nurturing future-ready skills.”

Echoing this commitment to impactful and future-focused education, Professor Ir EUR ING Ts Dr Vinesh Thiruchelvam, APU’s Chief Innovation & Enterprise Officer, emphasised that programmes such as this reflects APU’s broader dedication to driving innovation through meaningful community engagement, while highlighting the vital role of educators in shaping future generations of problem-solvers and innovators.

“The dedication shown by the lecturers and student volunteers in delivering engaging and impactful STEM activities has been instrumental in inspiring young minds.

“This not only strengthens community partnerships, but also contributes meaningfully to nurturing the next generation of innovators and future-ready individuals,” he said.