Tag: STEM Outreach

Today, we had the opportunity to host a hands-on innovation workshop for students from 21 schools in the Pekan District, in collaboration with Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Pekan. The workshop, held at UMPSA STEM Lab, aimed to equip students with the tools and thinking frameworks needed to kickstart their journey toward the CITREX Innovation Competition 2025.

At the heart of this session was the Engineering Design Process (EDP)—a proven method used by engineers and innovators to solve real-world problems. But we added a modern twist – Generative AI, the new study buddy ChatGPT =).

The Engineering Design Process (EDP)

Students were guided through the six stages of EDP:-

1. Ask – Define a real problem

2. Research – Explore what’s already out there

3. Imagine – Brainstorm multiple ideas

4. Plan – Choose the best idea and sketch a solution

5. Create – Build a model or mock-up

6. Improve – Evaluate and enhance the design

Using the EDP worksheet, students documented their thinking and structured their innovation journey.

Many students in the session were already familiar with line-following miniature robots. We explored how these robots could be repurposed to solve problems aligned with CITREX themes such as:

1. Smart Cities – A robot that patrols school zones for safety

2. Environment – A robot that detects energy waste in classrooms

3. Health – A robot that simulates delivery of emergency medical supplies

By rethinking what they already had, students realized how innovation is often about new context, not just new tech.

Students were introduced to the power of prompting ChatGPT effectively to support their ideation. We explored how to:

1. Ask the right questions

2. Frame problems clearly

3. Use follow-up prompts to refine and improve ideas

For example:

“What problems can a line-following robot solve in a school environment related to water safety?”

Students then tried these prompts themselves and saw how AI could boost the ‘Ask’ and ‘Research’ stages of the EDP.

Hands-On Practice

With their EDP worksheets in hand, students crafted project ideas guided by both human creativity and AI support. They were encouraged to:

1. Explore one of the nine CITREX themes

2. Develop an innovation using or modifying existing classroom tools

3. Prepare for submission with A1 posters and working models

Looking Ahead

This session was just the beginning. As we move toward CITREX 2025, we hope to see these young innovators continue developing their ideas into real solutions that can make a difference—in schools, communities, and beyond.

We thank all the participating schools and Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Pekan for their commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among students.

Stay tuned for more workshops and updates from UMPSA STEM Lab =) !

 

 

 

 

In the digital age, where information is just a click away and social media has become second nature, the ability to critically access, evaluate, use, and share information is more important than ever.

Recognizing this urgent need, UMPSA STEM Lab, in collaboration with UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP) Paris, launched the Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Program in 2023 — a long-term initiative aimed at promoting safe, informed, and ethical digital practices across all levels of society.

A Global Partnership with Local Impact

This program is the result of a meaningful partnership between a global entity and a local champion. In 2023, UNESCO IFAP Paris partnered with UMPSA STEM Lab to bring MIL education into Malaysian communities, schools, and higher education institutions. UNESCO Article.

With a shared goal to bridge the gap between digital access and digital wisdom, the program has since reached primary and secondary school students, university youth, educators, and local communities.

Media and Information Literacy (MIL)

MIL is more than just digital skills. It is a comprehensive framework that empowers individuals to:

1. Access – Identify and locate reliable and relevant information.

2. Evaluate – Analyze and assess the credibility, bias, and intent behind the information.

3. Use – Apply information effectively and ethically for specific needs or decisions.

4. Share – Communicate and disseminate information responsibly, respecting privacy and rights.

These four pillars of MIL guide every UMPSA STEM Lab outreach, ensuring that participants are not just users of media — but informed, critical, and ethical users.

Why MIL Matters Now

As digital media becomes increasingly integrated into daily life — from TikTok videos to online learning, from WhatsApp groups to e-commerce — people of all ages become more vulnerable to misinformation, privacy breaches, digital manipulation, and online harm.

Issues such as:

1. Data privacy and digital footprints

2. Misinformation and fake news

3. Cyberbullying and identity theft

4. AI-generated content and media bias

…are no longer niche concerns, but everyday realities.

That’s why awareness at all levels — from young children to university students, from parents to community leaders — is not just helpful, it’s essential.

Program Highlights So Far

Since 2023, the UMPSA STEM Lab MIL Program has:

1. Conducted MIL workshops for school children as young as 6 years old, using storytelling and play-based learning.

2. Delivered critical thinking and digital safety modules to teenagers and university students.

3. Engaged local teachers and educators in integrating MIL into their teaching practice.

4. Facilitated community sessions to promote digital responsibility among adults and parents.

Looking Ahead

UMPSA STEM Lab remains committed to expanding the MIL movement in Malaysia. With the continued support of UNESCO IFAP and local partners, we aim to:

1. Train more facilitators across the country

2. Develop localized MIL content and toolkits

3. Reach 1,000+ school children and 100+ educators annually

4. Encourage more universities to adopt MIL as part of their student development programs

5. Research in MIL Assessment

We welcome collaboration with schools, NGOs, government agencies, and community groups to bring Media and Information Literacy to more people, especially those who need it the most.

Let’s build a digitally wise society — one that is informed, safe, and empowered.

???? For more info or collaboration, contact us.

#MILMalaysia #DigitalLiteracy #UMPSASTEMLab #UNESCOIFAP #SafeOnline #MediaLiteracy #MILforAll

At the heart of a vibrant preschool in Pekan, a meaningful initiative took place — one that blends the joy of reading with the importance of digital literacy for young minds. The program, rooted in the spirit of Reading Makchixx, brought together passionate educators, enthusiastic children, and a mission to nurture responsible digital users from an early age.

The Reading Makchixx initiative was born right here in this very school back in 2018, with an original goal that was simple yet impactful — to encourage English book reading among preschoolers, cultivating a love for language and literacy.

As the program grew, so did its vision. In 2023, Reading Makchixx expanded through a meaningful collaboration with the UNESCO Information for All Programme (IFAP). With this new partnership, the program began to include modules on Media and Information Literacy (MIL) — a vital skill set for today’s digital world. A synopsis of this program is accessible via this link.

In an age where children are increasingly exposed to smartphones, tablets, and digital content, it’s never too early to start building their understanding of safe and ethical online behavior.

The four pillars of Media and Information Literacy guided the design of this initiative:

1. Access – Teaching children how to search and find appropriate information.

2. Evaluate – Helping them understand what is true and safe.

3. Use – Using digital tools responsibly.

4. Share – Learning to communicate and share with care.

For today session, the spotlight was on Digital Privacy — a topic often overlooked, especially for young children. While 5- and 6-year-olds may seem too young for such topics, their interaction with devices and apps makes them vulnerable to online threats.

Using playful activities, stories, and interactive visuals, we introduced the concept of privacy in a way preschoolers could relate to. From understanding the importance of not sharing personal information to knowing when to ask an adult for help, the 100 children of Pra SK Seri Biram learned that protecting themselves online is just as important as knowing their ABCs.

Thank you, Cikgu Zuraidah, for the dedication in helping us stay connected with the participants. We really appreciate your support!

.