JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 8 – The Mathematics Education Panel from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) conducted a special outreach program titled MISI STEMMatik at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Pulai Jaya. The program was held in response to an invitation from the school’s Mathematics and Science Panel, led by Sukina Ahmad, who expressed concerns over the waning interest and motivation of students towards mathematics. With the involvement of 200 Form 3 students, the initiative sought to reframe mathematics as not merely a subject of formulas and examinations, but as a vital discipline that can be explored in fun, meaningful, and future-oriented ways.
The program featured two major activities designed to actively engage students: a Mathematics Explorace and a Mathematics Activity Booth. For the mathematics explorace led by Dr. Najua Syuhada Ahmad Alhassora, 5 stations were set up which were Dongak Detective, Tapak Tracker, Measure and Treasure, Mathket Raya and Shape Slayer. The Explorace required students to solve mathematical challenges in a race format, combining problem-solving with teamwork and excitement. This hands-on approach aimed to show students how mathematical concepts could be applied in real-life situations, while also developing critical thinking and collaboration skills.
Meanwhile, the Mathematics Activity Booth consisted of Reflective Art and Paper Aeroplane booths both by Dr. Norulhuda Ismail, Math behind the Tanglung booth by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdul Halim Abdullah, and Algebra Quest booth by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sharifah Osman. The booths displayed interactive games, puzzles, and creative demonstrations, offering students a chance to experience mathematics beyond textbooks. These activities were carefully designed to spark curiosity and encourage students to see mathematics as approachable, enjoyable, and rewarding.
In addition to the activities, a motivational talk by Dr. Mohamad Ikram Zakaria was delivered to highlight the importance of mathematics and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) careers in shaping the future. The talk emphasized how the nation’s progress depends on a generation of highly skilled workers who are proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students were reminded that mathematics is not just about passing examinations, but also a gateway to opportunities in emerging fields such as data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and medical technology. By framing mathematics as a tool for personal empowerment and societal advancement, the talk sought to motivate students to reimagine their future pathways and take pride in pursuing STEM-related studies.
The MISI STEMMatik program concluded with positive feedback from both teachers and students at SMK Pulai Jaya. Many students expressed newfound enthusiasm for mathematics, while teachers acknowledged the value of interactive and meaningful learning approaches. By combining engaging activities with a forward-looking perspective on careers, the UTM Mathematics Education Panel successfully addressed the immediate issue of student disengagement while also planting seeds of long-term motivation. Ultimately, the program demonstrated that with the right strategies, mathematics can indeed be transformed into a subject that inspires, challenges, and empowers the younger generation.
