Curtin students and staff ensure STEM Playground in the Park is a hit

Miri – 13 August 2019 – Students and staff of the Faculty of Engineering and Science and of Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) contributed greatly to the success of the recent STEM Playground in the Park 2019 in Miri.

They were out in full force engaging with students and the public, staging interesting interactive scientific demonstrations and showcases to spark the public’s curiosity and interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Held at Pustaka Miri, Miri City Fan and the Miri Civic Centre, the 2-day event was staged in conjunction with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Curtin Malaysia Student Chapter’s annual Science and Technology Exhibition 2019 in collaboration with Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas), Curtin Malaysia and Pustaka Miri with support from the Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) and the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research (MESTR).

Themed ‘Discover, Create, Innovate’, it was aimed at nurturing students’ interest in STEM at an early age to create a future generation of tech-savvy thinkers and technology makers, highlight Sarawak’s vision of a digital economy, and give insights into current and future trends in STEM. An estimated 7,000 visitors of all ages visited the event over the two days.

The event was divided into seven zones – Kid’s Zone, Innovation Science Zone, Technology and Robotic Zone, Humanitarian Zone, Sport and Science Zone, H2O and Food Science Zone and Industrial Stake Holder Zone.

Each zone housed over 10 interactive and family-friendly exhibits. Apart from the interactive exhibits and booths, there were STEM-related competitions such as the STEM Challenge (Open), STEM Challenge Tech Track, STEM Challenge Science Track, IEEE Science and Technology Innovation Championship, Young Innovators Challenge and the inaugural Junior Innovate Competition.

Officiating the opening of event was Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong.

President of the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch Tay Chuan Zhi remarked that engaging with members of the local community, particularly students and young people, to promote STEM is one of the key aims of the student-run organisation.

“Annual projects and events such as the STEM Playground and our annual Science and Technology Exhibition, Light Up Borneo Project and Young Innovators Challenge are examples of our community outreach activities aimed at solving community challenges and issues through innovation and technology. The events are also geared towards developing leadership and teamwork and enhancing the spirit of volunteerism among our members,” said Tay.

To find out more about the IEEE Curtin Malaysia Student Branch, visit its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CurtinSarawak.IEEE.

Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong delivering his speech during the opening ceremony.

STEM Playground in the Park was a hive of activity with interactive and family-friendly exhibits.

Some of the over 7,000 visitors who thronged the STEM Playground in the Park.

Curtin students engaging with curious visitors.