By: Muhamad Afiq Iqbal Zainal, Shakinaz Desa, Nur A’ishah Zainal Abiddin and Mohamad Termizi Borhan
Pulau Pinang, 30 November 2024- The Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), participated in the Penang International Science Fair 2024, an inspiring event aimed at sparking creativity and encouraging innovation.
With the theme Exploration and Sponsorship Mission for Final Year Project, the program offered final-year students a chance to explore new ideas and advance their academic journeys.
This program was the idea of the program advisor, Associate Professor Dr. Shakinaz Desa and a passionate practitioner of heutagogy, a learning approach that empowers students to take charge of their education.
Dr. Shakinaz envisioned this opportunity as a way to encourage students to take ownership of their learning by exploring innovation firsthand, developing not only knowledge but also the confidence to think critically and creatively.
“This is about giving students the opportunity to think beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Shakinaz.“
By experiencing real-world innovation, they gain the tools to create meaningful and impactful projects.” As the first program of its kind at UPSI, it reflects her dedication to inspiring active and engaged learning.
Dr. Mohamad Termizi Borhan also emphasized the importance of this initiative in preparing students as researchers and teacher-researchers.
He highlighted how such programs can enhance STEM education. “This experience equips students with the skills to bring creative teaching methods into classrooms and make science more exciting,” he said.
Dr. Termizi also noted that the program helps students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for future innovation. It prepares them to not only conduct impactful research but also inspire future generations through advanced teaching methods.
Program Director, Nur A’ishah Zainal Abiddin, from the Biology Education program, shared her excitement about the experience.
“This program has been truly eye-opening. It has given me and my classmates a new perspective on using science and innovation in education. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this,” she said.
Nur A’ishah also expressed her gratitude to the committees from the Biology Education and Science Education programs for their support and teamwork.
“Their dedication made this trip successful. I am thankful to work with such committed individuals,” she added.
Program secretary Muhamad Afiq Iqbal Zainal also shared his hopes for the program’s long-term impact. “I hope this program encourages more students to embrace innovation and use it to shape bold, meaningful projects.
It’s an experience that will prepare them for challenges in STEM education and research,” he said.
Both Nur A’ishah and Muhamad Afiq highlighted how the program fosters creativity and collaboration while preparing students for impactful careers in education and research.
The event, held on November 30, 2024, at the SPICE Arena in Penang, was packed with activities. Students explored innovations, joined workshops, and connected with industry professionals.
The experience gave them fresh ideas and exposed them to cutting-edge technology, fueling their creativity for final-year projects.
The program wasn’t just about observing—it was an immersive experience that encouraged students to connect innovation with practical applications. They also built valuable networks with industry leaders, setting the stage for future collaborations and opportunities.
This initiative is part of UPSI’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation in its students. It bridges the gap between academics and the real world, preparing students to become not just educators but leaders and innovators in STEM education.
UPSI is shaping a future of innovation, inspiring students and educators to revolutionize STEM education. This is only the beginning, and the road ahead looks bright!
One of the significant achievements of the program was the collaboration interest gained from leading organizations such as Walnut Education, Intel Core Processor, Keysight, Vitrox College and QDos Holdings.
Notably, Mr. Eric Seaton, Partnership Manager from Walnut Education, expressed his agreement to serve as a product validation expert for the students’ projects. His expertise will provide invaluable guidance in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the students’ innovative ideas.
These collaborations include opportunities in areas such as product validation, building educational networks, and other joint ventures.
Such partnerships highlight the program’s success in connecting students and educators with industry leaders, fostering meaningful relationships that bridge innovation and education.
The Penang International Science Fair 2024 provided UPSI participants with invaluable opportunities to explore cutting-edge innovations in science and education. Engaging with industry leaders such as Walnut Education and Intel Core Processor inspired them to envision new ways to enhance science education in Malaysia.
This transformative experience equips participants with the tools to make science teaching more engaging, practical, and aligned with the needs of a technology-driven world. Ultimately, it fosters the development of future-ready educators and nurtures the next generation of scientists and innovators