Petrosains and FKE Host a Two-Day Event to Cultivate Continuous Learning and Innovation
Yayasan PETRONAS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia through Pusat STEM Negara dan Bahagian Pengurusan Sekolah Harian and Petrosains, organized the Coding4All program, an initiative aimed at fostering the continuous learning in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among students. The program consists of 12 modules at separate events since 2022. Currently is Modul 9, namely Design Thinking, where the program is co-hosted with the Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE) of UTM. The event took place at UTM Makerspace on 17 and 18 May 2023, with enthusiastic participation from 100 students representing three regional schools. Coding4all is implemented in three selected states; Johor, Sabah and Sarawak, where the participants will gather during the last module, tentatively on October 2023.
The three schools participating in the Coding4all program were SMK Impian Emas, SMK Tan Sri Mohamed Rahmat, and SMK Bandar Uda Utama. They were specifically chosen to provide opportunities for students from various backgrounds to explore the world of coding and programming. The program, designed to promote education in line with Industry 4.0, featured diverse activities to enhance students’ problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, participants were introduced to the principles of Design Thinking, a human-centered approach to innovation. This methodology enabled them to identify and address real-life challenges faced in their respective schools.
The Mentors and Facilitators assist the participants.
Students participated in practical workshops, lively discussions, and team-building exercises during the two-day program. Participants gained helpful knowledge they may use in the digital age by immersing themselves in coding exercises and real-world problem-solving. They obtained knowledge about the value of STEM education in today’s quickly changing world and how to use technology to create novel solutions to their problems.
The Coding4all program promoted technical competence and encouraged pupils’ creativity, teamwork, and flexibility. Participants were urged to think creatively and from various angles while tackling problems by incorporating Design Thinking ideas. This all-encompassing strategy sought to equip the kids with the tools they need to develop into well-rounded people who can thrive in the digital age. The next module will take place next month, where they need to program and code their innovation using a microcontroller Arduino and sensors. Some photos during the event are as follows.
This article is written by Dr. Nurul Ashikin Abdul-Kadir and Dr. Fauzan Khairi Che Harun.