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SynopsisMore than 190 students at SK Kitobu participated in a three-day STEM outreach programme led by Universiti Malaysia Sabah under the national STI 100³ initiative.In an era where scientific literacy and technological skills are shaping the future workforce, Universiti Malaysia Sabah has taken a meaningful step toward nurturing young minds through its impactful STEM Outreach @ SK Kitobu programme. Conducted at Sekolah Kebangsaan Kitobu, the initiative brought science out of textbooks and into the daily lives of students, creating an engaging and inspiring learning experience for children in a rural community.The programme was organised by the Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition (FSMP) of UMS as part of the STI 100³ Programme Cycle 2 for 2025 — a nationwide initiative spearheaded by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. Popularly known as “100 Scientists, 100 Schools, 100 Days,” the campaign aims to strengthen science awareness and encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education across Malaysia.More than just an academic outreach activity, the programme reflected a growing national commitment to ensuring that STEM education reaches students beyond urban centres. By bringing university lecturers, science facilitators, and student volunteers directly into rural schools, the initiative demonstrated how collaborative educational efforts can inspire confidence and curiosity among young learners.The three-day programme involved more than 190 students from Year 1 to Year 6, transforming the school environment into a vibrant hub of scientific exploration. Lecturers from the Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, members of the UMS Nutrition Club, and representatives from U-Science UMS guided students through a variety of interactive sessions designed to make science exciting, relatable, and accessible.From educational games to science exhibitions and engaging demonstrations, the activities encouraged students to see STEM not as a difficult subject confined to classrooms, but as an essential part of everyday life. Nutrition, health, innovation, and problem-solving were presented in ways that connected directly with the students’ experiences, helping them understand the practical importance of scientific knowledge.The programme was officially launched by SK Kitobu headmistress Maureen Peter Limpas, who highlighted the importance of such initiatives in supporting the broader goals of the Malaysia Education Plan 2026–2035 under the Ministry of Education Malaysia.According to Maureen, high-impact educational programmes like this play a critical role in building scientific culture among rural students. She emphasised that early exposure to STEM-related activities can help young learners develop confidence, curiosity, and bigger aspirations for the future.Her remarks reflect a wider educational challenge faced globally ensuring equal access to quality STEM learning opportunities regardless of geography or socioeconomic background. Rural students often have limited exposure to advanced scientific activities, making programmes like this especially meaningful in bridging educational gaps.Meanwhile, the scientist assigned to SK Kitobu under the initiative, Nur Hanisah Azmi, explained that the STI 100³ programme was designed not only to teach science but also to encourage scientific thinking in everyday decision-making.She noted that the programme’s interactive approach helped students realise that STEM is deeply connected to daily life, including areas such as nutrition, wellness, and healthy living. By simplifying scientific concepts and making them engaging, the facilitators successfully created an environment where students could learn through participation rather than memorisation.The initiative also highlighted the role universities can play beyond higher education. Through direct collaboration with schools and local communities, institutions like UMS are helping cultivate future innovators at the grassroots level. Such partnerships strengthen educational ecosystems while encouraging long-term interest in science and technology careers.Importantly, the outreach programme sends a larger message about the future of education in Malaysia. As industries worldwide become increasingly driven by digital transformation, artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, and scientific research, nurturing STEM talent from an early age has become more important than ever.By investing in young learners today, programmes like STEM Outreach @ SK Kitobu are helping prepare a generation capable of contributing to future scientific advancement and national development.For many students who participated, the programme may have been their first close interaction with scientists, university students, and hands-on scientific activities. Experiences like these often become defining moments that shape academic interests and career ambitions in the years ahead.As Malaysia continues strengthening its innovation ecosystem, initiatives that combine education, community engagement, and scientific exposure could play a major role in inspiring the country’s next generation of researchers, engineers, healthcare professionals, and technology leaders.
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