12 January 2019 – Faculty of Technology and Informatics Razak (FTIR), STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and UTM KL through its spin-off company, Arus Infiniti Sdn. Bhd. have come together in organising the STEM Superhero Run in Putrajaya. The run event was organised with the full support of Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), Ministry of Education (KPM) and Malaysian Association of Creativity and Innovation (MACRI) as well as corporate sponsors such as The Institution Rishyakaran (ADUN Bukit Gasing) and many others. The run has received an incredible response from the public as about 1000 participants have turned up at the starting line on the day of the run, donned in their respective STEM Superhero running t-shirt.
An energetic zumba session was set to bring the runners together to sweat it on even before the run started. The 10km run was flagged off by Pro-Vice-Chancellor UTM KL, Prof. Dr. Shamsul Sahibuddin and Chairman of Yayasan MyPrihatin, Prof. Datuk Dr. Halimaton Hamdan at 7.15am followed by 5km fun run at 7.45am. There were 3 running categories; 5km Fun Run, 10km Competitive Run (men and women), and 1km STEM Explorace, which was only open to primary and secondary school students. The event atmosphere was filled with excitement as the first 10km runner crossed the line at only 30 minutes after the flagged off. All finishers were greeted by the cheering crowd at the finishing line with the crew handed out medals, mineral water and breads to the finishers. All participants who have completed the run received a STEM Superhero T-shirt, medal race bib and e-certificate.
Category 1km STEM Explorace has received encouraging participation from schools around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor; a total of 7 schools with participation of 140 students. The STEM Explorace received a great number of participation since it was the first of its kind that highlight the treasure hunt concept through a 1km run. Each student had to answer a STEM-related question correctly at 12 checkpoints to complete the Explorace. Student who had the most correct answers in the least time was announced as the winners. For the Primary category, the first place was awarded to Nurul Aisyah binti Ahmad Yusni (SK Padang Tembak 1), followed by Priyashni Raja as second place (SJKT Batu Caves) and the third place to Qaseh Musliha Umairaq binti Abdul Wahab (SK Padang Tembak 1). For the Secondary category, Victoria Institution had dominated the race by taking the first place by Izhan Rifaie bin Farish Affendy and third place by Mohammad Muadzin bin Mustamin. The second place of STEM Explorace for this category was awarded to Nur Syazlyana binti Azhar from SMK Puteri Titiwangsa.
The STEM Superhero Run was organised to promote awareness of the importance of STEM education in creating innovation and scientific thinking society, while at the same time achieving a developed nation status through the development of the STEM elements in the education system in Malaysia. The run which was open to the public has indirectly enhanced awareness, interest and excitement among participants in learning STEM related subjects. In addition to the run, there were variety of exciting activities, namely zumba dance, food truck and exciting STEM-based exhibitions offered at the participating booths throughout the STEM Superhero Run. Overall, majority of the participants expressed their appreciation towards UTMKL’s passion in promoting STEM education through physical and fun activities such as the STEM Superhero Run. With high number of participants coupled with problem free management of the event throughout, the event was deem as a success which mainly the result of committed committee members, solid event management and a successful collaboration effort among UTMKL'[s staff and students. Congrats to all finishers and shout out to the support crew!
More pictures can be obtained from STEM Superhero Run Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/STEMSuperheroRun2019)