Scientists to Schools: Cycle 2 of the STI 100³ program

Translated from Malay. This story was first published by Pengajian Kejuruteraan Kimia (School of Chemical Engineering), UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang, on 4 February 2026.

Cycle 2 of the STI 100³ “Saintis Turun Sekolah” (Scientists to Schools) program was run jointly by Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang, Permatang Pauh Campus, and SMK Air Merah, Kulim, Kedah, from December 2025 to February 2026. The program aims to build pupils’ interest in, understanding of and appreciation for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through structured, application-based activities. It was led by the School of Chemical Engineering, UiTMCPP, with the School of Electrical Engineering and the Research, Industry, Community & Alumni Networking Division (PJIMA), UiTMCPP.

The program had three main series. Series 1 covered Design Thinking and Environmental Innovation, focusing on step-by-step, creative and sustainability-oriented problem solving. Series 2 covered Python programming with EduPico kits, building a hands-on foundation in computational thinking, algorithmic logic and coding. Series 3 will feature a mini showcase and a STEM project competition for the participating pupils, assessing their understanding, creativity and ability to apply what they have learned through presentations and project demonstrations.

As ongoing support for STEM development, UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang donated 10 EduPico kits and one hydroponic system for the STEM Club and Design and Technology (RBT) classes at SMK Air Merah. The program was officially launched by Assoc. Prof. Dr Kay Dora Abd Ghani, Deputy Rector for Research, Industry, Community and Alumni Networking (PJIMA), UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang. Overall, the program ran smoothly and received positive feedback, in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspiration of empowering young talent through knowledge, innovation and sustainability. The project was led by appointed scientists Ir Ts Mohamed Syazwan Bin Osman and Dr Adi Izhar Che Ani.

Source: original story on the Pengajian Kejuruteraan Kimia, UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang website (in Malay).