By: Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM

Kajang, 13 December 2024 – The Sustainable Chemistry Program @KUSeS organized in conjunction with Scitech4u-STEM Camp MOSTI 2024 was held with great enthusiasm and involved various interesting activities. Located at SMK Kajang Utama, this program successfully gathered 100 lower secondary students in an effort to foster interest in the field of Chemistry and Technology as well as instill awareness of environmental sustainability.

This program was officiated by Tuan Salim bin Zainudin@Jantan, Principal of SMK Kajang Utama. This program started as early as 8.30 am with participant registration and aerobics activities "Healthy Exercise". Next, a talk session titled "Motivational Talk on Waste Materials (MToM)" by Generasi Peduli Sampah Malaysia (GPSM) opened the minds of participants about the importance of environmental cleanliness outside and inside the school. Various examples of plastic pollution on land and rivers were explained by GPSM.

Among the main activities that stole the spotlight was EcoBrick, which challenged students' creativity in producing recycled products using plastic bottles. This activity was carried out throughout the morning session and received a warm welcome from the participants. Meanwhile, the Recover Microplastic Challenge was carried out by a senior lecturer from the UPM Chemistry Department as the Head of the Sustainable Chemistry@KUSeS Program Project, Dr. Mohd Rashidi bin Abdul Manap. Students were exposed to the process of plastic degradation into microplastics. In addition, students determined the number of microplastics based on the concentration value of microplastics in coastal areas.

In the afternoon, various innovative exhibitions were also held, including the Forensic Science Exhibition and the Glass2sand Exhibition, which provided students with an opportunity to delve into the field of science practically. The Forensic Exhibition was also carried out by Chemists from the Narcotics Division and the Toxicology Division. This Forensic Exhibition was able to provide exposure and opportunities for students about the role and analysis carried out by the Malaysian Chemical Forensics Center while also fostering their interest in science and technology.

Meanwhile, the Glass2Pasir Exhibition provided an opportunity to connect chemistry and literature by producing products from used glass bottles that were crushed into sand. The Science Exploration Program through DNA by MARDI provided participants with the opportunity to delve into the basics of biological research while learning the scientific technique of DNA extraction using simple materials that can be found at home. This activity was not only interesting, but also sparked excitement when participants successfully conducted their own experiments and produced DNA, something that they had previously only imagined through theoretical learning.

This program has obtained participant feedback to ensure its effectiveness and impact on participants. According to one of the Form 3 Data students, Aliesha Minhalyna binti Adzryl, the Sustainable Chemistry Program that was organized at SMK Kajang Utama earlier had provided her with an extraordinary experience. Various creative activities such as producing Ecobricks with Datin Norelan Ismail (Oma), which were not only fun but also succeeded in strengthening the friendship between the participants. In addition, the 'doodling' activity was a relaxing activity after completing the Ecobricks. More interestingly, participants also conducted experiments on making DNA from strawberries, which provided a rather unique learning experience. The closing ceremony was also attended by Ts. Dr. Noraisah Spahat, Secretary of the Division, Strategic Planning Division, Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation (MOSTI) and the program ended at 6.20 pm.

The Sustainable Chemistry Program @KUSeS successfully achieved its objective in educating the younger generation about the importance of chemistry and environmental sustainability. It is one of the MOSTI initiatives in supporting the development of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at the school level. Sustainability and Creativity were exhibited by the participants of this program. Overall, this program has fulfilled the aspirations of the Madani Concept by educating and inspiring the younger generation to become future leaders who are sensitive to environmental sustainability and also have the ability to create innovative solutions.

Prepared by:
Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap AMRSC, FSSM |
Department of Chemistry
Faculty of Science
Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM Serdang, Selangor MALAYSIA

Date of Input: 21/12/2024 | Updated: 21/12/2024 | adib.yusof