Cameron Highlands – 21 May 2024: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), in collaboration with the industry partner Theta Edge Berhad, has implemented four high-impact programmes at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Lemoi, Cameron Highlands. This initiative is part of the Programme to Elevate Indigenous Schools Through STEM Education, ‘Fun Learning Toy Library’ (FLTL), Digital Literacy, Information Literacy, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in Schools.
This collaboration involves various parties such as the Office of Campus Sustainability, UTM Library, UTMKL OSH Unit, Kolej Siswa Jaya, UTMKL Sports Excellence Centre, Adopt a Kampung Group, Theta Edge Berhad, and the Pahang State Education Department. The team camped at Pos Lemoi for 3 days and 2 nights to execute these programmes.
Initially, the programme faced significant challenges in accessing Pos Lemoi, a remote location only reachable by four-wheel drive vehicles and motorcycles, with the journey taking around two hours. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm of the 47 participants, including students and staff, remained high to serve and elevate the indigenous school in Pos Lemoi, Cameron Highlands.
The funding from Theta Edge Berhad enabled them to sponsor 10 computers for SK Lemoi. Chief Executive Officer Ts. Syahrul Hafidz Suid expressed great excitement about this collaboration and pledged continued support for other indigenous schools in Pahang. Additionally, funds from Kolej Siswa Jaya, the OSH Unit, UTM Library, and the Office of Campus Sustainability helped ensure the smooth running of this programme.
The following four programmes were carried out:
- Construction of a Mini Fun Learning Toy Library (FLTL) at SK Pos Lemoi’s Pre-School: Led by Dr. Mohamed Azlan Suhot and Puan Harnani Sharuddin, this programme focused on STEM education for pre-school students. They successfully transformed the pre-school classroom into a Mini STEM FLTL, providing an interactive and enjoyable STEM learning experience.
- Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Programme: Programme leader Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Sa’ardin Abdul Aziz stated, “Raising awareness about safety and health practices among all teachers and indigenous students exposes them to the importance of safe and healthy work culture practices.” Safety control simulations were conducted by Saudara Stanislaus Johny, demonstrating risk control through fire safety simulations and basic first aid.
- Digital Literacy at the School Resource Centre: Led by Dr. Nor Fazilah Mohd Hashim, this programme involved assessing the impact of digital literacy by collecting data and measuring computer learning before and after transforming the resource centre into a digital technology hub. The programme focused on introducing digital technology to students by providing computer access and basic IT training.
- Information Literacy for SK Lemoi Students: Led by Puan Nik Masriza Zakaria, this programme aimed to enhance students’ skills in finding, evaluating, and effectively using information, aiding them in their studies and daily life. Puan Nik Masriza Zakaria stated, “By fostering a reading culture and encouraging interest in learning science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we can provide early exposure to engineering fields.”
The implementation of this programme aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations, specifically SDG3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG4 (Quality Education), SDG7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG10 (Reduced Inequality), and SDG17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The programme was inaugurated by En. Muhamadiah Iskandar b. Mohamed, Assistant Director of the School Management Sector, Pahang State Education Department, witnessed by Professor Ts. Dr. Abd Latif bin Saleh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (UTM Kuala Lumpur Campus), along with Tuan Ahmad Saidin bin Mohamad, Headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Lemoi.
“With this effort, UTM and the industry can bring positive and lasting changes to the education of the indigenous community, equipping them with engaging tools and the knowledge needed for a brighter future. May this Sustainable Education Discourse provide ongoing impact to UTM in advancing the localisation of SDGs and fostering a sustainable culture within UTM,” said the programme leader Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Shamsul Sarip from UTMCS.
