Over 80 teachers trained to bring AI and coding into classrooms at Curtin Malaysia’s transformative Train-the-Trainer workshops

Miri, Sarawak – 21 June 2025 – A Train-the-Trainer initiative led by the IEEE Curtin University Malaysia Student Branch and Chumbaka Miri has empowered over 80 school teachers in Miri with cutting-edge skills in digital-making, artificial intelligence (AI), and coding – tools poised to revolutionise local classrooms.

Held over four intensive days at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia), the programme aimed to spark innovation in education and build capacity among primary and secondary school educators.

The event featured two dynamic workshops – Junior Innovate (JI) and the Young Inventors Challenge (YIC) – with the support of 21 dedicated mentors from the IEEE STEM Mentors Programme.

“We are not just teaching tech, we are building changemakers in the classroom,” said Diandra Emilia, IEEE Community Outreach Co-Head. “Watching teachers and mentors troubleshoot code side by side, you could feel the passion and purpose in the room.”

The first half of the programme saw 60 primary school teachers dive into hands-on training using tools like Scratch and Arduino. Under the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, the participants designed games to tackle real-world challenges – from promoting equity to creating safer communities.

“The energy was electric,” said one participant. “The ‘Werewolf Game’ analogy used by Chumbaka really brought complex coding concepts to life.”

The latter two days focused on AI for Social Good, where 20 secondary school teachers collaborated with mentors on AI-integrated projects using platforms such as PictoBlox and Arduino hardware. Together, they developed creative tech solutions addressing issues ranging from environmental sustainability to assistive tech for differently-abled individuals.

“It was thrilling to see AI in action,” said Pee Lyon, a mentor. “Controlling Arduino kits using PictoBlox opened up a world of possibilities for the classroom.”

Participants and mentors alike left the programme inspired and equipped to lead their students into a future shaped by innovation.

IEEE advisor Professor Garenth Lim emphasised the programme’s broader impact, “STEM education is the key to unlocking Malaysia’s high-tech future. When we upskill our educators, we don’t just build capacity; we build a future-ready generation.”

This initiative reflects IEEE Curtin Malaysia’s deep commitment to community development through technology and education, and to fostering a vibrant, tech-literate culture across Sarawak.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is the world’s largest professional association advancing technology for humanity, with over 400,000 members in over 160 countries. The IEEE IAS Student Chapter at Curtin Malaysia actively promotes student-industry engagement through educational visits, workshops, and conferences.

For more information on the IEEE Student Branch of Curtin Malaysia, e-mail ieee.curtinsarawak@gmail.com or visit ewh.ieee.org/sb/malaysia/curtinsarawak. One can also visit its Facebook page at facebook.com/IEEE.CurtinMalaysia.

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

Participants in the JI Workshop enjoyed exploring tools like Scratch and Arduino to design games.

Teachers and mentors collaborated on projects integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with hardware like Arduino during YIC workshops.