Kota Kinabalu: The recent Sabah University (UMS) event in Malaysia has brought science and technology education in a fun and exciting way for rural students.
Over 120 students from 12 middle schools in the Kudat area participated in the two-day science and art camp: Future Doctor in Tech.
Hosted by UMS' One Health Student Club (OHSC), in collaboration with U-Science Center, National Science Center and Kudat District Education Office, the camp has been supported by UNESCO and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
“We used the hackathon concept to introduce students to AI in healthcare through hands-on activities and group mentoring.
“The goal is not only to give them knowledge, but also to give them confidence and curiosity to explore their STEM careers, particularly medicine,” said Dr. Zulkhairul Naim Sidek Ahmad, OHSC Advisor.
Hackathons is a collaborative event in which participants work hard on projects for a short period of time.
For this camp, students engaged in team-based projects led by experts, leading to interactive presentations.
They also learned how technology is shaping the future of healthcare.
At the closing ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Firdau Bolong, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Teachers at UMS Medicine and Health Sciences, said the programme was intended to ensure that children are not left in the wave of science and technology wherever they are.
“STEM education is about not only knowledge, but building critical, creative and innovative thinking. We must reach out to rural communities and equip them to become part of our country's future,” he said.
“We learned so many new things, especially how technology can help healthcare,” said Vivilleahlyn Majiman, a Camp attendee at SMK Pinawantai.
“It opens my eyes to a whole new world. Being a doctor sounds so futuristic now.”
The program is seen as an example of how inclusive and creative learning can help bridge the educational gap between urban and rural students while igniteing dreams and potential.
Also attended was Amirdin Majuki from International Islamic University Malaysia and guest speaker Dr Amirdi Shazwani Gazali.
