Seminar: Empowerment of STEM Knowledge, Green Technology, and Intellectual Property
Fostering Innovation and Collaboration for Sustainable Education

The Seminar on Empowerment of STEM Knowledge, Green Technology, and Intellectual Property, held from 13 to 17 October 2024 at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Penang and Kuala Lumpur, aimed to enhance participants' understanding and application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), promote green technology as an effective learning tool, and educate on the management and importance of intellectual property. The seminar was chaired by Dr. Nor Asniza Ishak from the School of Educational Studies and officiated by the Dean of the School of Educational Studies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahimi Che Aman. It featured a diverse lineup of lectures delivered by Dr. Nor Asniza Ishak from School of Educational Studies and Dr. Muaz Mohd Zaini Makhtar as Deputy Director of Centre for Innovation and Consultation, who covered various critical topics, including the role of green technology in education, innovative teaching methods, and effective strategies for intellectual property management.

One of the key highlights of the seminar was its emphasis on building the capacity of education lecturers to integrate STEM and green technology into their teaching practices. By equipping educators with the necessary skills and knowledge, the seminar aimed to foster advancements in these critical areas of education and support the development of a more environmentally conscious curriculum. Participants were encouraged to think critically about how to apply these concepts in their respective educational settings, thus enhancing the overall learning experience for students.

Coordinated by Dr. Dinnie Anggraeni Dewi from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), the seminar also welcomed Dr. Yeni Yuniarti, Deputy Director of UPI Cibiru Campus, fostering collaborative discussions that aimed to strengthen the partnership between USM and UPI. The total number of participants from UPI was 34, consisting of lecturers and postgraduate students, all eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in STEM education.

The program included hands-on sessions that provided participants with practical experiences, allowing them to engage directly with the concepts being taught. Field visits to sains@usm (CCB and INOR), Petrosains, and Aquaria provided additional context and real-world applications of the STEM and green technology concepts discussed throughout the seminar. Participants had the opportunity to present their future innovation plans, showcasing their understanding of the material and their visions for integrating these ideas into their teaching practices.

Overall, the seminar was a resounding success, equipping educators with the tools and knowledge necessary to inspire future generations. It promoted sustainability and fostered collaboration between USM and UPI, furthering the shared goal of advancing educational practices in STEM and green technology. This event not only contributed to the professional development of the participants but also laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at enhancing educational standards and fostering innovation in teaching and learning.