MARA-STEMGREENTECH: EMPOWERING STEM EDUCATION AND GREEN TECHNOLOGY AMONG EDUCATORS AND STUDENTS OF MRSM PULAU PINANG

KEPALA BATAS, October 25, 2023 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in collaboration with Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) recently organized the closing ceremony of the MARA-STEMGREENTECH Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening the understanding and capabilities of educators at MRSM Pulau Pinang in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as well as green technology, on October 20. The program emphasized key elements within STEM education and green technology such as Microbial Fuel Cells, Rubber Band Technology, Probiotics, Antimicrobial Resistance, and motivational techniques to enhance interest in STEM.

The objective of this program was to impart knowledge on STEM and Green Technology to the teachers at the three MRSMs in Pulau Pinang, with the hope that they could enhance their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the context of environmental sustainability.

In line with USM's vision and mission to "Transform Higher Education for a Sustainable Tomorrow," this program aligns with global needs by supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is a global agenda. The program was also under the patronage of USM Vice Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, who is also a “MARA Icon.” He hopes that this program will benefit MRSM educators by helping them better understand STEM and green technology, while also motivating them to pass this knowledge on to MRSM students.

Present to officiate the closing ceremony was the Director of Community Engagement, Industry and Community Network Division (BJIM) USM, Dr. Ainul Mohsein Abdul Mohsin.

In her speech, Ainul Mohsein stated that the MARA-STEMGREENTECH program not only strengthened the expertise of participants but also opened up opportunities for sustainable economic growth, in line with SDG 8.

“In an increasingly complex global environment, these values inspire participants to create innovative solutions that can have a positive impact on society and the environment, focusing on SDGs 11 and 13,” she said.

Ainul Mohsein further added that as an educational institution, USM is always committed to supporting the SDG agenda by empowering the STEM component to contribute to the development of society and the nation.

Meanwhile, MRSM Kepala Batas Principal, Haji Shauqi Mohd Noor, said the program had provided significant input and benefits to the teachers and students of MRSM involved.

“I hope that all the knowledge shared by USM academia with the teachers involved can improve the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the teachers regarding environmental sustainability,” he said.

According to the Director of the MARA-STEMGREENTECH Program, Dr. Nor Asniza Ishak, a lecturer from the School of Educational Studies (PPIP) USM, she is very optimistic and committed to realizing the Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025) by emphasizing STEM and Green Technology among students as preparation for providing better employment opportunities and enhancing economic prosperity to ensure future social and economic well-being.

Asniza’s hope is that this program can become a vehicle to drive quality education by achieving the global SDG agenda especially SDG 4.

The MARA-STEMGREENTECH program took place from July 5 to September 20, 2023, involving 300 students and teachers from MRSM Kepala Batas, Balik Pulau, Transkrian, Pendang, Baling and Sungai Besar through 8 knowledge transfer workshops.

This program has provided the community with skills, knowledge, support, and platforms related to STEM and Green Technology with the aim of increasing or providing additional income, improving living standards, and creating job opportunities within the community.