CAMERON HIGHLANDS, 21 May – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with industry partner Theta Edge Berhad, has successfully implemented four high-impact programs at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Lemoi, Cameron Highlands. This initiative, part of the Programme to Elevate Indigenous Schools Through STEM Education, includes the ‘Fun Learning Toy Library’ (FLTL), Digital Literacy, Information Literacy, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Schools.

The collaboration involves several UTM departments, including Campus Sustainability (UTMCS), UTM Library, Occupational Safety, Health and Environment (OSHE), Kolej Siswa Jaya (KSJ), UTMKL Sports Excellence, Adopt a Kampung Team, Theta Edge Berhad, and the Pahang State Education Department. The team camped at Pos Lemoi for three days and two nights to execute these programs.

Despite significant challenges accessing Pos Lemoi, a remote location only reachable by four-wheel-drive vehicles and motorcycles, the 47 participants, including students and staff, remained enthusiastic about serving and elevating the indigenous school in Pos Lemoi, Cameron Highlands.

Theta Edge Berhad funded the sponsorship of 10 computers for SK Lemoi. Chief Executive Officer Ts. Syahrul Hafidz Suid and Business Development Director Dato Suhairi Saad expressed their excitement about this collaboration and pledged continued support for other indigenous schools in Pahang. Additional funding from KSJ, the OSH Section, UTM Library, and the Office of Campus Sustainability ensured the smooth execution of the program.

The following four programs were carried out:

1. Development of a Mini Fun Learning Toy Library (FLTL) at SK Lemoi’s Pre-School: Led by Dr. Mohamed Azlan Suhot and Puan Harnani Sharuddin, this program focused on STEM education for pre-school students. They transformed the pre-school classroom into a Mini STEM FLTL, providing an interactive and enjoyable STEM learning experience.
2. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH): Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Sa’ardin Abdul Aziz led this program, emphasizing the importance of safety and health practices among teachers and indigenous students. Safety control simulations, conducted by Saudara Stanislaus Johny, included fire safety and basic first aid.
3. Digital Literacy at the School Resource Centre: Dr. Nor Fazilah Mohd Hashim led this program, assessing the impact of digital literacy by measuring computer learning before and after transforming the resource centre into a digital technology hub. The program introduced students to digital technology, providing computer access and basic IT training.
4. Information Literacy for SK Lemoi Students: Led by Puan Nik Masriza Zakaria, this program aimed to enhance students’ skills in finding, evaluating, and effectively using information. She stated, “By fostering a reading culture and encouraging interest in learning STEM, we can provide early exposure to engineering fields.”

The implementation of these programs aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG10 (Reduced Inequality), and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

The program was inaugurated by En. Muhamadiah Iskandar b. Mohamed, Assistant Director of the School Management Sector, Pahang State Education Department, and witnessed by Professor Ts. Dr. Abd Latif bin Saleh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (UTM Kuala Lumpur Campus), along with Tuan Ahmad Saidin bin Mohamad Idris, Headmaster of SK Lemoi.

“With this effort, UTM and the industry can bring positive and lasting changes to the education of the indigenous community, equipping them with engaging tools and the knowledge needed for a brighter future. May this Sustainable Education Discourse provide ongoing impact to UTM in advancing the localization of SDGs and fostering a sustainable culture within UTM,” said Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Shamsul Sarip from UTMCS.