By: Nurain Syazwani Dhamansah, Nurul Haziqah Nuzul Ridzuan, Nur Atiqah Aisyah Sabaruddin, Farah Adiba Zulkeflee, Dr. Norhayati Ahmat, Dr. Nurul Huda Mohamed, Dr. Nor Afzalina Azmee
Perak, 5 July 2025 – The Li-Pro Challenge, a high-impact educational program under the Service-Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) initiative, was successfully held at two locations: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Perak in Teluk Intan and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Slim River.
Organized by students of SMQ3043 from Mathematics Department, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), this program aimed to demystify the challenging Mathematics topic of Linear Programming for upper secondary school students through engaging, contextual, and practical learning experiences.
Linear Programming is often regarded as one of the more abstract and complex topics in the upper secondary Additional Mathematics syllabus.
Students frequently struggle with concepts such as variables, constraints, objective functions, and graph plotting. In response, the Li-Pro Challenge was developed to enhance student understanding through active, student-centered, and real-life application methods.
At SMK Seri Perak, the program involved 22 UPSI student facilitators and 50 Form 4 and Form 5 students. The event featured structured teaching sessions, real-life problem-solving tasks, and interactive group discussions.
According to the program director, Muhammad Amin, the initiative significantly improved student comprehension and interest in Linear Programming. Pre- and post-program surveys showed that 97.76% of participants reported a clearer understanding of the topic and its real-world relevance.
Simultaneously, the Li-Pro Challenge held at SMKA Slim River gathered 23 facilitators and implemented a creatively designed learning module. The first session, titled GraphMaster: Rise of The Linear Legends, was followed by two game-based learning activities—Linear Legends: Puzzle and Conquer, and Pirate’s Paradox.
These games tested the students’ grasp of concepts after undergoing the earlier learning phase. The program was officially closed with speeches by the program director, Muhammad Amirul Irfan and Mathematics teacher Puan Nur Azlizan Sapuan, all praising the initiative’s educational impact.
Dr. Norhayati Binti Ahmat, lecturer for the subject SMQ3043, highlighted the program’s dual role: ‘The Li-Pro Challenge provides a unique platform for UPSI students to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical context, while also cultivating critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.
” Besides academic enrichment, the program integrated SULAM elements such as leadership, communication, and protocol, fostering personal and professional growth among facilitators. Their interaction with the school community enhanced awareness of educators’ broader societal roles beyond the classroom.
In conclusion, the Li-Pro Challenge proved to be an effective model of inclusive, contextual, and engaging pedagogy. Its success in both Teluk Intan and Slim River underscores the value of experiential learning and the importance of university-school collaboration.
Programs like these are essential in preparing students to face academic challenges and real-world complexities with confidence and competence.