Tag: STEM Outreach

Young Innovators Challenge Pahang State 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation of AI Innovators

On 16 July 2026, we had the privilege oto co-organize the Young Innovators Challenge (YIC) Pahang State 2026, a competition that brought together 15 teams of young innovators showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities.

This year’s challenge was particularly exciting as participants were required to integrate microcontrollers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their projects, introducing a new dimension to the competition. The shift towards AI-enabled solutions reflects the growing importance of intelligent systems and digital technologies in addressing real-world challenges.

The competition was preceded by a Train-the-Trainer (TTT) programme held in May 2026, where participants and mentors were introduced to concepts and hands-on applications of Edge Impulse, AI, and Machine Learning. The training provided a solid foundation that enabled teams to transform ideas into working prototypes and innovative solutions within a relatively short timeframe.

A special note of appreciation goes to Chumbaka for their continued partnership and support in nurturing STEM and innovation education. Initiatives such as these are instrumental in exposing students to emerging technologies and empowering them to become creators rather than merely consumers of technology.

My sincere congratulations to all participants for embracing this year’s challenge. Developing projects involving microcontrollers, embedded systems, and AI is no small feat, particularly for young learners. The enthusiasm, resilience, and willingness to explore unfamiliar technologies demonstrated by the teams were truly commendable.

I would also like to thank my fellow judges for their dedication and insightful deliberations throughout the evaluation process. It was an enriching experience to engage with educators, industry representatives, and technology practitioners who share a common passion for developing future-ready talent.

Being involved in competitions at this level provides a valuable perspective on the current trends in STEM education, innovation, and AI adoption among young learners. More importantly, it offers insights into the cognitive capabilities, creativity, and problem-solving approaches of the next generation. The ideas presented clearly demonstrate that today’s students are not only capable of using technology but are increasingly able to leverage it to design impactful solutions for society.

As AI and digital technologies continue to reshape the world around us, initiatives such as the Young Innovators Challenge play a crucial role in building confidence, curiosity, and innovation capacity among our youth. I look forward to seeing how these young innovators continue to grow and contribute to Malaysia’s technological future.

Raspberry Programming 2026/4 – MRSM Transkrian

*UMPSA STEM Lab Raspberry Pi Programming Synopsis can be found here.

In the Raspberry Pi IoT session, 36 students and teachers from MRSM Transkrian were introduced to the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi on the UMP STEM Cube, a pico-satellite learning kit specifically designed to facilitate engineering learning.

The content covered basic digital input/output operations on onboard LEDs, as well as topics such as dashboard design using gyro meter and BMU280 sensor data, including collecting and storing data in a cloud database. Participants learned to interface sensors with Raspberry Pi boards and develop IoT applications for real-world scenarios. The session provided students with valuable insights into IoT technology and its applications in various domains.

A special appreciation is extended to Cikgu Mohamad from MRSM Transkrian for coordination in facilitating communication between the participants and the UMPSA STEM Lab :).

Nurul June 24th

 

Strengthening STEM Education Through Strategic Collaboration with PPD Maran – Roundtable Discussion

Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA) STEM Lab today hosted a roundtable discussion with 38 teachers and education officers from schools under the Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD) Maran and Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Pahang. The session served as an important platform to explore future collaborations aimed at strengthening STEM education and digital competency development among students in the district.

The discussion brought together educators, school leaders, and STEM practitioners to exchange ideas, identify current educational needs, and explore opportunities for impactful partnerships between UMPSA STEM Lab and schools in the Maran district. The session highlighted a shared commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape while fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills.

Several potential collaboration areas were discussed, including the implementation of hands-on STEM programs such as Vibe Coding with Raspberry Pi, Vibe Coding with Arduino Robotics, Dashboard Design and Data Visualization, and Computational Thinking with Artificial Intelligence (AI). These programs are designed to provide students with authentic learning experiences that combine programming, engineering design, data analytics, and emerging technologies.

Challenges in Delivering Digital Making in School in Maran

A special segment of the roundtable focused on sharing evidence-based pedagogical practices developed and researched by the UMPSA STEM Lab. Participants were introduced to a series of research and outreach initiatives that have contributed to the advancement of STEM and engineering education. Among the highlighted works were studies on collaborative STEM outreach programs, game development-based learning for programming education, computational thinking through scaffolded game development activities, digital making skill development using the UMP STEM Cube, IoT-enabled precision agriculture using Raspberry Pi edge devices, and innovative approaches to engineering education. These research outcomes have been published in reputable international journals, including IEEE Transactions on Education, IEEE Potentials, European Journal of Educational Research, International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), and the Journal of Mechatronics, Electrical Power, and Vehicular Technology.

To illustrate the importance of pedagogy in learning, participants engaged in an interactive activity involving visual communication and instructional scaffolding. In the first exercise, a participant was tasked with describing a house constructed from multiple geometric shapes without showing the image to the audience. Participants attempted to recreate the drawing based solely on verbal instructions, resulting in significant variations and inaccuracies. In the second exercise, participants were first shown the individual geometric shapes before another participant described a more complex image of a car constructed from similar shapes. The resulting drawings demonstrated a marked improvement in accuracy and consistency.

This activity served as a symbolic representation of the educational philosophy practiced by the UMPSA STEM Lab. Rather than immediately introducing complex technologies, the STEM Lab emphasizes structured learning pathways that progressively build learners’ understanding. Through tiered and scaffolded pedagogical approaches, students are first introduced to fundamental concepts before advancing to more sophisticated digital making activities. This methodology has been successfully applied across various STEM outreach programs involving programming, robotics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and engineering design.

The discussion also introduced the Lab’s emerging “Vibe Coding AI Structured Pedagogy” framework. While recent advancements in artificial intelligence have made coding more accessible, the framework emphasizes that effective learning requires more than simply generating code. Students must develop computational thinking, problem decomposition, design reasoning, and critical evaluation skills. The structured pedagogy combines AI-assisted development with carefully designed learning scaffolds to ensure that students remain active creators and problem solvers rather than passive users of technology.

A key focus of the discussion was the role of UMPSA STEM Lab in contributing not only technical expertise but also educational content, instructional modules, and tailored pedagogical approaches. Drawing upon its extensive experience in engineering education, the STEM Lab aims to support schools in implementing meaningful STEM learning experiences that are aligned with curriculum requirements while promoting higher-order thinking skills and real-world problem solving.

The collaboration also seeks to create sustainable pathways for teacher professional development, enabling educators to gain confidence in integrating digital technologies and engineering concepts into classroom teaching. Through carefully designed modules and project-based learning activities, students will be exposed to engineering thinking, computational problem solving, and innovative design practices from an early age.

UMPSA STEM Lab remains committed to supporting schools across Pahang in nurturing the next generation of innovators, engineers, and technology leaders. The roundtable discussion with PPD Maran marks an important first step towards establishing long-term partnerships that will enrich STEM education and empower both teachers and students to thrive in the digital era.

The STEM Lab looks forward to working closely with PPD Maran and its schools in transforming ideas discussed during the session into impactful educational programs that benefit learners throughout the district. Through collaboration, innovation, and research-informed educational practices, UMPSA STEM Lab continues its mission of making engineering and technology education accessible, engaging, and meaningful for all learners.

Arduino Programming 2026/2 – KV Tawau, Sabah

UMPSA STEM Lab Arduino Programming can be found here.

Throughout the course, 30 participants from Kolej Vokasional Tawau Sabah were introduced to the concepts of programming loops, conditional statements, and sequential execution. Activities include controlling multiple LEDs, understanding the concept of digital output, using a photoresistor to expand their understanding of sensor interfacing, integrating analog sensors with Arduino and controlling digital outputs based on sensor readings. Towards the end, participants visualize data and messages using an OLED display.

Thank you En Shufi  for coordinating the communication between UMPSA STEM Lab and the participants.

 

 

Robot Literacy 2026/1 – KV Tawau

*UMPSA STEM Lab Robot Literacy – Introduction to Robot and Robotics can be found here.

150 students had participated in this program, in collaboration with Kolej Vokasional Tawau. Students have gone through activities including robot anatomy, actuators and sensors.

Robot Literacy module introduced participants to the basics of robot construction, programming, and problem-solving through interactive challenges.


The initiative aimed to:

  1. Build digital and technical literacy among students.

  2. Nurture creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking.

  3. Spark early interest in engineering, robotics, and STEM-related careers.

Importantly, today’s program also reached underrepresented groups ensuring inclusivity in STEM education.

Thank you Yayasan UMPSA – En Jamil Jaafar, for initiating the program and coordinating the communication between STEM Lab and the participants.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/967557675974568

UMPSA News

Raspberry Pi Programming 2026/3 – KV Tawau

*UMPSA STEM Lab Raspberry Pi Programming Synopsis can be found here.

In the Raspberry Pi IoT session, 20 students and teachers from Kolej Vokasional Kulim were introduced to the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi on the UMP STEM Cube, a pico-satellite learning kit specifically designed to facilitate engineering learning.

The content covered basic digital input/output operations on onboard LEDs, as well as topics such as dashboard design using gyro meter and BMU280 sensor data, including collecting and storing data in a cloud database. Participants learned to interface sensors with Raspberry Pi boards and develop IoT applications for real-world scenarios. The session provided students with valuable insights into IoT technology and its applications in various domains.

A special appreciation is extended to Cikgu Shufi from KV Tawau, Sabah for coordination in facilitating communication between the participants and the UMPSA STEM Lab :).

Nurul April 26th

 

Raspberry Pi Programming 2026/2 – KV Kulim

*UMPSA STEM Lab Raspberry Pi Programming Synopsis can be found here.

In the Raspberry Pi IoT session, 28 students and teachers from Kolej Vokasional Kulim were introduced to the concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) using Raspberry Pi on the UMP STEM Cube, a pico-satellite learning kit specifically designed to facilitate engineering learning.

The content covered basic digital input/output operations on onboard LEDs, as well as topics such as dashboard design using gyro meter and BMU280 sensor data, including collecting and storing data in a cloud database. Participants learned to interface sensors with Raspberry Pi boards and develop IoT applications for real-world scenarios. The session provided students with valuable insights into IoT technology and its applications in various domains.

A special appreciation is extended to Cikgu Aminah dan Cikgu Huraiah from KV Kulim for coordination in facilitating communication between the participants and the UMPSA STEM Lab :).

Nurul April 26th