Boosting student interest in STEM

a wide range of studies in science and technologies being offered by various faculties at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), it is no wonder that it was again selected as host for the National Science Challenge (NSC) 2018 State Level - Putrajaya.

This year marks the fourth time the prestigious contest is held at Dewan Perdana of the Social Science and Humanities Faculty.

In his speech, UKM deputy vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Imran Ho Abdullah thanked the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and the Young Scientists Network (YSN) for choosing UKM to host the event.

“UKM also hosted the semi-finals and Grand Finale NSC in 2016 and 2017,” said Imran.

“UKM has always welcomed engagement with other organisations, especially schools and educational colleges. We see this as a platform to recognise the two worlds and to equally mobilise them to drive competitive education among the young generation of Malaysia.”

Previously known as Kuiz Sains Nasional, the NSC competition was first held in 1983 to inculcate a culture of excellence in science. It also aims to nurture, promote and enhance interest in science, technology and innovation among school students.

This year’s event saw five teams pitting their knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects against each other in several rounds of quizzes and a pitching session. Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah emerged as state winners to qualify for the semi-final — a challenging one-week science camp at various universities in the country. Throughout the programme, the teams were judged on criteria ranging from discipline, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, research project and presentation to report writing. Four teams were selected to compete at the Grand Final Level on Aug 30.

“I am sure that the collaboration between ASM and UKM will enable the NSC to be recognised as one of the most important and prestigious science competitions in the nation,” added Imran.

“Within a few years, the children will graduate from their secondary education and will pursue their studies at university.

“As one of the leading universities in the nation, UKM welcomes all students.”

“This year UKM has achieved a number of national and international successes. It has jumped to 184th in the QS World University Rankings 2018/2019, putting it in the top 200 for 2018/2019. This increase is very significant because UKM was ranked 230 in the past and 302 in the previous year.

“Also making us proud is Faculty of