Young Scientists Network-ASM (YSN-ASM): Science Outreach Working Group Activities
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Kuala Lumpur Engineering & Science Fair (KLESF) 2018
The Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) participated in the Kuala Lumpur Engineering and Science Fair (KLESF) from 2 to 4 November 2018.
The YSN-ASM attracted attendees to their booth with attractive activities and exhibitions, such as “Mushrooms in Malaysia” by Drs Phan Chia Wei and Tan Yee Shin; “Hydraulic Escapade” by Dr Wan Hanna Melini; “Simple Science” by Dr Razinah Sharif; and “Energy” by Dr Wan Azlina.
Held at the MINES International Exhibition and Convention Centre (MIECC), KLESF was attended by more than 100 schools in three days. Being the biggest science fair in Malaysia, it featured various programmes and activities that aims to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among primary and secondary school students.
The KLESF is supported by the Ministry of Education (MOE) Malaysia, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Malaysia (ACCCIM) and Malaysian Institute of Physics (IFM).
KLESF aims to enhance school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The public exhibition also aims to enhance the awareness of the public on the roles and importance of STEM in socio-economic wellbeing and sustainable development.
Penang International Science Fair 2018
The annual Penang International Science Fair (PISF) was the setting for the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) to set up their exhibition to instill to engage the public on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic (STEM) through hands-on activities.
“Plant Tissue Culture” by Dr Chew Be Lynn, “Pots Battery” by Professor Zainovia Lockman and “Science Fun” by Dr Oon Chern Ein were some of the activities featured by YSN-ASM members.
The fair was held from 10 to 11 November 2018 at the SPICE, Penang. In line with its theme “Empowering The Next Generation”, PISF 2018 featured five major events showcasing activities/workshops fit for toddlers up to senior citizens from various walks of life.
The depth and diversity of technologies that exist in Penang were exhibited during PISF that enabled industry players to showcase the science behind their products and services.
Various workshops that last anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes were available throughout the Fair, which were designed to inspire and stimulate young minds on the wonders of science and technology through fun and educational hands-on activities.
Hobbyists, inventors and interest groups from the arts and sciences communities had the opportunity to exhibit their innovations and creations at the MakerFest.
Competitions on robotics, coding and hardware as well as other science topics were held during the Fair where school students participated to feature their inventions and are rewarded for their creativity.
This year, 20 schools have joined PISF in a new programme called School Workshop. These schools have conducted workshops for other students and the general public.
Science and Engineering Design Exhibition (SEDEX) 2018
The Science Outreach Working Group of the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM) were featured as one of the exhibitors at the Science and Engineering Design Exhibition (SEDEX), held from 28 to 29 November 2018 at the Chancellor Complex, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP).
YSN-ASM members have set up a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Booth at the event, featuring activities that aimed to test the participants’ creativity and instill their interest in science and technology.
Among the activities that were carried out include Build-a-Catapult (visitors try to build a catapult that can shoot projectiles the farthest), Spaghetti and Marshmallow Challenge (building a stable structure out of spaghetti sticks and marshmallow chunks), and Green Energy Car (a showcase of model cars that operate with solar power).
An Instagram contest was also held to reward the visitor that took a creative photo at the YSN-ASM booth with the highest likes and comments.
Since 1997, SEDEX showcased inventions and innovations of UTP students and staff as well as students from primary and secondary schools and university students from the surrounding community.
Although SEDEX had its roots in being a platform for UTP undergraduates to hone their communication and presentation skills; the exhibition has since evolved into a platform to encourage the young to take an interest in science.
Since then, SEDEX had expanded its scope and carried out various activities that brought school children from the community to UTP, especially from less-funded schools.
Another notable effort carried out under SEDEX is their focus on bringing science to less accessible schools, such as those within the Orang Asli community.