Curtin Malaysia and Pustaka Miri collaborate to host ‘Learning Algebra’ event for secondary school students

Miri – 27 October 2023 – As part of its ongoing commitment to support education in the local community, the School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) partnered with Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri to host a ‘Learning Algebra’ event and provide secondary school students with a unique learning opportunity.

Held at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri, the event aimed to enhance the algebraic skills of the students, and help them prepare for their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.

30 students, the majority of whom were Form 4 and Form 5 students, and three teachers from SMK Pujut, SMK Merbau, SMK Agama Miri, SMK St. Joseph, SMK Baru, SMK Taman Tunku, SMK Riam, and SMK Chung Hua Miri attended the event.

During the event, students had the opportunity to attend interactive workshops and engage in hands-on activities, specifically designed to improve their understanding and application of algebraic concepts.

Three experienced SPACE mathematics lecturers, Jameson Malang, Bejay Ugon and Shubashini Krishnan, guided them through various problem-solving techniques and strategies to boost their algebraic capabilities. They focused on three key algebraic topics: indices and logarithms, linear equations, and quadratic equations.

Among the highlights of the day was the Kahoot Quiz Competition where the participating students showcased their newfound knowledge. The top three winners of the competition were Adam Hakimi bin Mohamad from SMK Agama Miri, Mohammad Nadhir Safwan bin Mohammad Nazib from SMK Baru Miri, and Ashelyne Quintha Anak Harry from SMK Taman Tunku.

“We believe that a strong foundation in algebra is crucial for students to excel in mathematics and other related fields. It also plays an essential role in problem-solving and critical thinking skills,” said Associate Professor Fidella Tiew, Director of SPACE. “The event provided the students with the necessary tools and resources to enhance their algebraic skills, ultimately supporting their academic success.”

Jameson, meanwhile, said the event was a testament to the commitment of SPACE and Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri to empower local students and promote the importance of mathematics education. “It provided an opportunity for students to learn and engage with algebra in an interactive and enjoyable manner, fostering a love for the subject,” he remarked.

Curtin Malaysia is the earliest and largest global campus of Curtin University, Western Australia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in areas such as engineering, business, arts and humanities, and sciences, as well as pre-university programmes that feed into its undergraduate offerings.

Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Sarawak State Library), Miri, meanwhile, is a research and reference library in Miri, and the northern branch of the state library. It provides various resources and services to promote reading, learning, and research, serving as a valuable platform for educational and cultural enrichment within the community.

Curtin Malaysia and Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, Miri remain committed to nurturing educational development within the community and continue their collaboration in co-organising and co-hosting a variety of events such as public talks, workshops, exhibitions and STEM fairs.

For more information, visit curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

The Curtin Malaysia lecturers, Pustaka Miri staff and participating students

Jameson (left) presenting prize to SMK Agama Miri student Adam Hakimi for winning in Kahoot Quiz Competition.