The Kuala Lumpur Science Engineering Fair 2017 (KLSEF) aims to encourage schoolchildren to be more involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and cultivate their interest by challenging them to create their own gadgets. |
KUALA LUMPUR: The Kuala Lumpur Science Engineering Fair 2017 (KLSEF) aims to encourage schoolchildren to be more involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and cultivate their interest by challenging them to create their own gadgets.
Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) head of digital lifestyle and society John Tay said it was important to mould young minds for the future of tech development in Malaysia through the three day event which started on Nov 3.
Tay added that the fair held at the Mines International Exhibition Convention Centre (MIECC) was to inspire students to be interested in STEM subjects like programming especially at a younger age.
“Every year, we have more and more schools attending our events. This year we decided to have more hands-on activities such as drone making where they need to use household products like ice-cream sticks. From there, they can learn the mechanics of the gadget and appreciate the toys they are playing with.
“It is important to generate interest, creativity and innovation as many other countries are emphasising STEM education. We want to challenge the kids and make their parents see how technology can enhance their child’s development,” Tay said.
At the three-day event, workshops are held for students and participants in badge, drone and LED circuit making. There is also a robot soccer competition.
Pahang’s Sekolah Kebangsaaan Wan Ibrahim student Farhan Adib Zakaria, 12, said it took him a month to build his Lego robot called R2.
“So far, I have won one match today and I hope to win on the last day of this event.
“It was my teacher who helped me build R2 and the most challenging part was putting in the gears but I enjoyed assembling the robot because it was similar to building a car but on a smaller scale,” said the student who aspires to be a pilot.
The event also holds exhibitions by STEM companies like Park Easy, Nazrol Tech and Quadtech Entreprise showcasing new developments in the industry.
KLSEF is an event in collaboration between MCMC and several organisations - ASEAN Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET), Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar), Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (Might), and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM). It ends today at 6pm.