KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 1 – A total of 121 students from Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Mahmud (SESMA) participated in the “STEM: Future Engineers Bridge Challenge,” a science and engineering outreach program organized by the Student College Committee (JKP) of Kolej Siswa Jaya (KSJ) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Kuala Lumpur. The initiative aimed to inspire and nurture secondary school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on activities and real-world design challenges.
During this program, students had the opportunity to construct model bridges using simple materials such as skewer sticks and hot glue. This hands-on activity challenged their technical understanding, structural creativity, and teamwork as they applied principles of force, balance, and structural design. The student-built bridges were then tested for strength and stability, simulating real-world engineering conditions. The challenge effectively connected classroom concepts of science and mathematics with practical engineering applications.
Throughout the program, the students exhibited tremendous enthusiasm and energy. Many were visibly excited as they brainstormed structural ideas, tested their prototypes, and observed the strengths and weaknesses of their designs during the load-testing session. Their laughter, cheers, and curious questions reflected not only a deep engagement with the activity but also a genuine fascination with how science and engineering come to life. For many, it was their first experience seeing engineering in action.
The event was graced by Dr. Mohamed Azlan Suhot, Principal of KSJ, who shared valuable insights with the students. In his speech, he introduced UTM’s newly established Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, highlighting UTM’s commitment to future-focused education. Dr. Azlan also explained key concepts behind bridge engineering and the technology that ensures structural integrity and safety. He expressed hope that the program would spark excitement and curiosity among students to pursue a deeper understanding of STEM both in school and beyond.
The program was directed by Nurmahera Iswaliza Amiruddin and supported by a dedicated team of facilitators from JKP KSJ. Their efforts ensured that the program provided not only education but also an engaging and memorable learning experience for all participants.
The Future Engineers Bridge Challenge closely aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By strengthening collaboration between higher education institutions and secondary schools, the program demonstrates how inclusive, experiential education can drive innovation and cultivate the next generation of engineers, designers, and technologists..
