Curtin Malaysia researcher secures MOSTI grant to turn waste into STEM learning opportunities

Miri, Sarawak – 22 October 2026 – Turning everyday waste into a learning opportunity for the next generation of environmental problem-solvers is the focus of a new science education initiative led by Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) researcher Audrey Primus, who has secured funding under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) STI 100 on the Power of Three (STI 100³) programme.

Titled “Sisa ke Sumber: Eksplorasi STEM dalam Pengurusan Sisa dan Inovasi Hijau” (Waste to Resource: Exploring STEM in Waste Management and Green Innovation), the project aims to spark school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by connecting scientific concepts with real-world environmental challenges.

Through hands-on, STEM-based learning activities, students will explore how waste can be reduced, reused and recovered as valuable resources, while discovering how science and innovation can contribute to more sustainable practices.

Audrey will lead the project’s implementation and coordinate the development of learning activities with a team comprising Dr. Muhammad Noor Hazwan Jusoh, Professor Tony Hadibarata and Dr. Paran Gani, who will contribute their expertise to support the programme.

“Waste management is about much more than simply disposing of rubbish. It also involves understanding how materials can be reduced, reused and transformed into useful resources,” Audrey said.

“By introducing STEM concepts through practical activities, we hope to encourage students to think creatively about environmental challenges, ask questions and explore how scientific knowledge can be applied to develop possible solutions.”

The initiative aligns with the objectives of MOSTI’s STI 100³ programme, which engages 100 scientists in efforts to increase students’ interest in STEM and bring science, technology and innovation closer to schools and communities.

By using waste management as a practical learning context, the project seeks to help students see the relevance of STEM beyond the classroom. It will provide opportunities for them to explore environmental issues, develop problem-solving skills and consider how green innovation can support more responsible resource use.

The project also reflects Curtin Malaysia’s commitment to advancing STEM education, strengthening environmental awareness and fostering community engagement through research and innovation.

Further activities will be conducted with participating schools as part of the STI 100³ programme.

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Audrey Primus is leading MOSTI-funded Sisa ke Sumber project aimed at engaging school students in hands-on STEM learning focused on waste management and green innovation.