JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 1 – A wave of excitement swept through Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bandar Putra as Form 1 and Form 2 students gained hands-on knowledge about energy, sustainability, and electrical safety through “Watt’s Up: Energy for a Greener Future,” an innovative education outreach program led by students from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The program was conducted under the guidance of Course Advisor Dr. Nurul Nadia Ibrahim and led by Program Director Deveni A. Selvarajoo, supported by the program committee. It aimed to equip students with essential energy literacy, practical knowledge of renewable and non-renewable energy, and awareness of safe electrical practices.
This initiative was developed after UTM students identified a knowledge gap among younger Malaysians regarding responsible energy consumption and the role of renewable energy in Malaysia’s transition toward a low-carbon future. Addressing this gap is critical for advancing national sustainability objectives, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG: 12 Responsible Consumption and Production.
The program began with a lecture session covering three key topics. The first topic was Energy Types and the Concept of Energy. The second topic focused on Uses of Electricity and an Introduction to Electricity. The third topic addressed Electrical Safety and the Dangerous Effects of Using Electricity Incorrectly. Following the lecture, students participated in the Watt’s Up Challenge, which comprised three interactive stations designed to turn complex energy concepts into engaging, hands-on learning experiences. During the challenge, students learned to distinguish between renewable and non-renewable energy sources and identify safe and unsafe electrical practices while understanding how their daily choices contribute to climate action and sustainable living.
To evaluate the program’s effectiveness, pre- and post-event surveys were administered. The results revealed a measurable improvement in students’ understanding of electrical safety, awareness of energy-saving practices, and confidence in recognizing hazardous electrical conditions. This demonstrated that the program successfully enhanced knowledge while promoting safer habits at home and in school.
The event concluded with small tokens of appreciation, awarded to students who answered quiz questions correctly after the lecture session and to those who excelled in the Watt’s Up Challenge. A Certificate of Appreciation was also presented to SMK Bandar Putra by Course Advisor Dr. Nurul Nadia Ibrahim to acknowledge the school’s support and collaboration. A group photo session followed, capturing the enthusiasm and engagement of the pupils.
“Watt’s Up” represents a meaningful step in nurturing environmentally conscious youth who will play an active role in shaping Malaysia’s sustainable future.
