The STEM Exploration Camp (STEC) 2024, hosted by Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Menumbok, Sabah, Malaysia, brought together 180 students from Brunei Darussalam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Held from November 29 to December 2, the three-day co-curricular activity was organised by the Sabah State Education Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Sabah; Keningau Campus Teacher Education Institute; Kent Campus Teacher Education Institute; Universiti Malaysia Sabah; and the Malaysian Headmasters’ Association (PGMB) Sabah, under the management of Sekolah Kebangsaan Pekan Menumbok for 2024.
Representing Brunei, participants comprised two officers from the Department of Schools, Ministry of Education (MoE) along with six teachers and 30 students from Rataie Primary School; Mentiri Primary School; Rimba II Primary School; Awang Haji Mohd Yusof Katimahar Primary School; Lamunin Primary School; and Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Primary School in Kuala Belait.
INNOVATIVE ACTIVITIES: A FUSION OF LEARNING AND MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES
STEC 2024 offered an array of hands-on activities designed to engage and inspire students, including ice-breaking activities that highlighted scientific skills and concepts, inquiry-based science education (IBSE) competitions to boost critical thinking, Micro:Bit challenges fostering creative communication and problem-solving through digital technology, and engineering design process (EDP) projects that nurtured creativity and collaboration.
The camp not only provided valuable learning experiences but also celebrated participants’ achievements.
A standout moment of international collaboration saw a team of students from Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Kumpulan 2) emerge as the overall champions of STEC 2024, securing first place.
Additionally, another team from the three countries clinched second place in the IBSE competition, underscoring the importance of collaboration and critical thinking fostered throughout the camp.
Reflecting on the EDP activity, lecturer from Kent Campus Teacher Education Institute Dr Chiam Sun May, who led the session, said, “Through their EDP projects and the use of science notebooks, the students from Brunei demonstrated a solid foundation in the EDP approach and were able to apply it effectively in problem-solving.
“They were also skilled in using science notebooks, documenting their observations and findings like real scientists.”
A POSITIVE IMPACT
The event garnered glowing reviews from both students and teachers alike.
Abas bin Haji Ali, a teacher from Lamunin Primary School, shared his enthusiasm about the camp’s impact, “The students participating in the STEM Camp Exploration at Kuala Penyu are exposed to a dynamic, hands-on learning environment that encourages them to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through interactive activities and problem-solving challenges.
“Collaborating with international delegates broadens their perspectives, fosters a global mindset, and deepens their appreciation for STEM fields.”
For Mohamad Syahril bin Norudin, a teacher from Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Primary School, the experience was equally inspiring.
He was particularly moved by watching a teacher from Kota Kinabalu guide his students through fun and interactive STEM activities.
A student, Nur Arisya Syifa binti Muhd Norzairi from Rimba II Primary School, also reflected on the enriching experience, “We were grouped with participants from different countries, which taught us teamwork and the importance of diversity.
“Activities like experimenting with water pressure and building light and temperature-sensing robots were not only fun but also educational. Being awarded ‘Best Female Participant’ was the highlight of my journey.”
Another first-time participant, Nur Hazarena Alina binti Abdullah from Awang Haji Mohd Yusof Katimahar Primary School, expressed her excitement at meeting new friends from the region, “We learned a lot of new things such as Micro:Bits. For Micro:Bits, I learned that if the car doesn’t work or move, we must never give up. We can think, find out what’s wrong, and try again. This experience motivated me to keep striving and learning more about STEM.”
A PLATFORM FOR PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
The camp was not just beneficial for students.
Teachers had the chance to engage with peers from other countries, exchanging best practices and gaining insights into diverse teaching methods.
The experience, described as a “valuable platform for professional growth”, allowed educators to return to their classrooms quipped with fresh ideas to inspire the next generation of STEM talent.
Ultimately, STEC 2024 highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping young minds.
By combining academic challenges with cultural exchange, the programme inspired students to view STEM not just as subjects, but as tools to make a meaningful impact on society.
As the world continues to evolve, programmes like STEC will remain essential in equipping the youth to respond to and overcome tomorrow’s challenges. – James Kon
