The science of tomorrow
Discovering the possibilities of the future
The rise of Artificial Intelligence, The Internet of Things, Nanotechnology and Biotechnology is part of changes and challenges happening in the world. With the approaching Fourth Industrial Revolution and also the aspiration to move forward, Petrosains recently organised a threeday science festival themed “Journey Into The Future, One Discovery At A Time”.
The festival engaged and inspired the younger generation on possibilities of the future and the science of tomorrow.
“Science centres are designed and structured with learning environments that play important roles as powerful learning support systems to formal and continuing education,” said Petrosains’ chief executive officer Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Halim in her opening speech at the launching of festival.
A total of 54 local and international partners joined hands to showcase their latest inventions and technologies for visitors, especially the young, to discover and engage with.
Advanced technologies and human-like robots took over the largest sciencethemed festival in the country – Petrosains Science Festival 2018 at KLCC.
One of the highlights of the festival was robots exhibited by Ubtech, a local robotics company which introduced their robots lineup – Nao, Kinova and Sanbot.
At the Esplanade KLCC Park, people were seen queuing up to try a braincontrolled helicopter at one of the booths at the science festival. What attracted the visitors was the toy helicopter being controlled by nothing but brainwaves.
The helicopter comes with a headset connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth that monitors the signals from the brain and turns them into flight commands. It takes a mental concentration to make the helicopter elevate from the ground.
Meanwhile at the Maker Studio, kids and adults engaged in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects with the help from Petrosains’ team stationed at the Petrosains Galleria. There were 10 sets of tinkering kits for the visitors to assemble and involve in handson activities based on basic science and technology concepts.
Visitors applied their creativity and science knowledge to build their own constellation night light, scribbling
machine, paper circuit, marble maze and many others using the packed materials which can be bought at the counter.
Children must apply their knowledge on electricity in making their projects like scribbling machine and paper circuit.
“I have to do trial and error before completing my project. The motor will not start if I connect the wires to plastic objects but it will work with any kind of metal,” said Lana Ameer Zafran Mohd Lana Adha, 10, from SJK(C) Subang, who was making a scribbling machine with his two younger brothers.
“To assemble this electric circuit is quite hard for me. I would not be able to complete this project myself without the help of Petrosains’ team,” said Azfar Hakim Mohamad Mokhtar, also 10, from SK Bandar Tun Hussien Onn who was visiting the festival with his parents.
Held annually, Petrosains Science Festival is one of the key initiatives to inspire the learning of science through a platform that is engaging, educational and impactful. It is also an extension of Petrosains’ commitment to nurture meaningful learning of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the nation.
The launch was attended by Petrosains’ chief executive officer Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Halim, KLCC Properties chief executive officer Hashim Wahir, Petrosains Board chairman Zahariah Abdul Rahman and Petronas senior general manager, group strategic communications as well as representatives from the Petrosains Science Festival partners.
“This is the biggest science festival we have organised with three different locations at the same time to provide more options for the visitors. Our target is not only for kids. We want to reach everyone including the youths and millennials as well as adults to cultivate their interest in science and technology.
“Learning cannot be done in isolation, it has to be contextual. Here, we are aiming to give the best learning experience that is fun and enjoyable,” said Tengku Nasariah.
For the first time this year, the celebration of the festival is also extended to other parts of the country at Petrosains PlaySmart Kuantan and Petrosains Playsmart Johor Baharu.