IOI Foundation (formerly known as Yayasan Tan Sri Lee Shin Cheng) collaborated with Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) to host the IOI STEM Competition and Exhibition 2023 for eight schools in Johor on 21 October 2023.
STEM is an educational programme that integrates the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) into the school curriculum. The main objective is to nurture critical thinking skills and cultivate the creative, innovative, and analytical abilities of students, enabling them to address complex challenges. STEM plays a crucial role in equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's technology-driven world and prepares them for future employment opportunities.
Prior to the competition, a comprehensive two-day ‘Train the Trainer’ session was conducted in April 2023, where a total of 24 educators from the eight selected schools were trained by a UTAR lecturer. Using Arduino sets and comprehensive teaching materials, the session provided a well-rounded and immersive learning experience which empowered the educators with the necessary competencies for implementing and sustaining STEM programmes in schools.
On 21 October 2023, the IOI STEM Competition, which took place at Pei Hwa Independent High School, was officially launched by IOI Foundation Executive Director Datin Joanne Wong (right in pix, below) and UTAR Dean of Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering & Science Ts Dr Yap Wun She (left in pix, below).
The competition brought together 14 teams which consisted of 42 students (aged between 10 and 12 years old), who were accompanied by 24 teachers. The eight participating schools included SJK (C) Hwa Nan, SJKC Chian Kuo, SJK (T) Ladang Gomali, SJK (T) Ladang Sagil, SK Puteri Ledang, SK Sagil Kampong, SK Sri Tangkak, and SK Paya Mas, which are located in the Segamat and Tangkak districts of Johor.
Each team had to identify the challenges within their respective school or community. Employing innovative thinking, the teams crafted prototypes using Arduino sets coupled with the creative use of recycled materials. These prototypes were showcased to an esteemed panel of judges and audience, which included approximately 300 students and educators from Pei Hwa Independent High School.
The five distinguished panel of judges included Ts Dr Yap Wun She, Ir Dr Danny Ng Wee Kiat, Pei Hwa Independent High School educators, Mr Ng Soh Huan and Ms Lee Peh Zhi, and our IOI IOI Research Centre (Pamol) Project Senior Coordinator Dr Mohamad Harris Bin Nasir.
Pei Hwa Independent High School students also exhibited a booth to provide further information on the IOI STEM programme while organising a series of engaging science-related games for the participants, which not only entertained them but also educated the attendees on the underlying scientific theories.
IOI Foundation supported the event by sponsoring RM500 to the winners. The IOI STEM Competition and Exhibition 2023 not only celebrated innovation and critical thinking but also underscored the immense potential within our educational system to prepare students for a future rich with technological opportunities.
