By: Nur Laili Harisyah Mahadim 

SERDANG, 4 April 2026 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), through the MySTEM Ambassador UPM Club, continues to strengthen the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education agenda at the grassroots level through the implementation of the Southern Zone STEM Roadshow programme held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Panglima Adnan.

The programme adopted a “learning by doing” approach through hands-on activities that connected classroom theory with real-world applications, creating a more interactive, enjoyable and high-impact learning experience for primary school students while supporting 21st-century education aspirations that emphasise higher-order thinking skills, communication and collaboration.

A total of 30 UPM students served as facilitators, guiding approximately 180 students and teachers through various STEM hands-on activities based on experiential learning. Throughout the sessions, participants were exposed to more practical and exploratory learning methods covering Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, helping them gain a clearer understanding of STEM concepts while nurturing early interest in the field. The approach also encouraged critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills among participants through systematically designed group activities.

During the programme, students actively participated in several interactive sessions specially designed to spark interest in STEM through creative and engaging approaches. Among the highlights was STEM Dance, which combined creative movement with basic science concepts to help students understand biological processes in a more interactive and accessible way. Another key activity was STEM Race, which tested participants’ critical thinking, strategy and teamwork skills in solving problem-based challenges.

In addition, the STEM Kit construction activity sponsored by Yayasan MR DIY provided students with the opportunity to explore STEM concepts practically through hands-on building activities using real-life materials, integrating science and design elements more effectively. Support from Yayasan MR DIY through the contribution of learning kits and experimental materials also helped ensure smoother and more effective implementation of activities while enhancing students’ learning experiences. One student shared that the learning approach used throughout the programme made STEM concepts easier and more enjoyable to understand.

“I enjoy learning more when we get to do things ourselves, especially activities like Do’oh Circuits and the STEM Kit. Lea rning becomes more fun and easier to remember,” the student said.

Advisor of the MySTEM Ambassador UPM Club, Dr. Yap Wing Fen, stated that hands-on learning approaches have proven to be more effective in helping students understand abstract STEM concepts while increasing interest in science and technology from an early stage of education.

Meanwhile, Senior Assistant of Administration, Pn. Farozamzam Bakar, described the programme as an important platform in providing early exposure to the world of STEM before students progress to secondary education. She added that experiential learning approaches like these help students better understand the real-life applications of classroom knowledge in a more meaningful and enjoyable manner, while strengthening their interest in STEM from an early age.

The strength of the Southern Zone STEM Roadshow programme was further demonstrated when university students not only served as school facilitators, but also carried out field explorations at Kompleks Baitul Hilal Negeri Sembilan and Pusat Ikan Hiasan Port Dickson for field studies and STEM learning module development. Through these visits, students gained direct exposure to astronomy and marine ecosystem contexts, enabling them to develop more contextual, structured and impactful learning modules for future programmes.

Programme Director, Aliff Nazrullah, said that involvement in programmes such as this serves as an important platform for empowering students’ self-confidence and developing soft skills that are difficult to acquire solely through classroom learning.

He added that students not only acted as facilitators in schools, but also conducted field explorations at both locations by leveraging the available expertise and facilities, which ultimately enabled them to develop STEM modules based on real field findings.

The programme also emphasised social values and community responsibility when UPM students participated in a gotong-royong activity alongside members of Masjid Kariah Teluk Kemang, in line with the university’s slogan, “Berilmu Berbakti”. Their involvement reflected a balance between academic excellence and social awareness, shaping students who are not only knowledgeable, but also community-oriented and committed to serving society.

Chairman of Masjid Kariah Teluk Kemang, Encik Murtazar Md Nor, said the roadshow programme had a positive impact on the local community while strengthening relationships between higher education institutions and society. He also described the active involvement of UPM students in community activities such as gotong-royong as a commendable effort that should be continued, as it not only benefits the community but also demonstrates students’ willingness to engage directly with the public and understand local community needs firsthand.

This experience not only contributed to the development of STEM modules, but also strengthened UPM students’ skills in programme management, leadership, innovation and teamwork within real community contexts. Overall, the Southern Zone STEM Roadshow: Exploration of Science, Technology, Marine and Astronomy served as a high-impact learning platform that benefited both school students and university students while supporting human capital development through inclusive and effective STEM education

Date of Input: 13/05/2026 | Updated: 13/05/2026 | nureedayu