Serdang, 2 July 2024 — The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has organized a quiz in conjunction with the celebration of National Science Week 2024. This quiz managed to attract more than 13,000 entries from Malaysian citizens, showing a very encouraging response.

Quiz Objectives and Goals

This Biodiversity and Biotechnology Quiz is held to enhance community awareness and understanding of biological diversity and the role of biotechnology in the preservation of nature and ecosystems. In addition to providing opportunities for participants of various ages to participate, it also serves as a comprehensive educational platform in these fields.

Implementation and International Engagement

This quiz was held online on May 11, 2024, and was conducted by Associate Prof. Dr. Emilia Binti Abd Malek from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, UPM. The project leader, Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap, along with experts from Japan namely Assistant Prof. Nakano Haruka from the Center for Ocean Plastic Studies, Research Institute for Applied Mechanics (RIAM), Kyushu University, Japan and Associate Prof.  Dr. Pruteanu Lavinia-Lorena from the Department of Chemistry and Biology, North University Center at Baia Mare, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania, has prepared questions that test participants' knowledge of ecosystems, endangered species, and the latest biotechnology technologies.

Reception and Participation Statistics

With a relevant theme, this quiz received a total of 13,096 entries from all over the country. Data analysis shows the participation of students from 1,140 schools, involving students from urban and rural areas. In terms of gender, 11,405 female participants and 1,691 male participants took part, while the breakdown by race showed 10,681 Malay participants, 1,602 Chinese, and 94 Indians.

Participant Achievements

The results of the quiz show that female students show a deep interest in the topic of biodiversity and biotechnology. Here is the list of winners by category:

Primary school:

1. Eranthe Kang Xinyan (SJKC Panchor)
2. Ayesya Batrisya binti Amirr Ariff Azhan (SK Sungai Marong)
3. Marissa Humaira binti Faiz Hakiki (SK Koris)

Junior High School:

1. Lim Yi Xhin (Chinese Girls Junior High School)
2. Matthias Koh Cheng Yao (SMJK Catholic PJ)
3. Ahmad Aiman ​​Asyraafi bin Abdul Halim (Bestari Secondary Religious School)

Senior High School:

1. Chong Wai Ling (SMJK Nan Hwa)
2. Nurul Najwa Nasuha binti Mohd Rizal (SMK Saujana Indah)
3. Atiqah Najihah binti Norhaizan (University of Malaysia Sarawak)

Community:

1. Rabiatul Adawiah daughter of Mohd Daud
2. Sharina Lajim (SMK Baru Bintulu)
3. Nik Fasihah binti Nik Mud (SK Kampung Johan Setia)

CLOSING

National Science Week 2024 has successfully achieved its objective in promoting interest in science among the Malaysian community. With support from local and international lecturers, as well as the use of AI technology in assessment, this program is expected to continue in the future to ensure the continuation of interest in the field of science and technology among the younger generation.

Not to forget, a word of infinite appreciation to the Department of Chemistry Malaysia (KIMIA Malaysia) who is UPM's strategic partner for this National Science Week. Without the help of Mr. Sopian Ashafi bin Mohamed, Head of KIMIA Malaysia's Corporate Communications Unit and Miss Michelle Teh Phaik Kim, KIMIA Malaysia's Public Relations Officer, this quiz could not be conducted successfully. The final results and list of winners will be announced on 7 July 2024, 10 am on the official organiser website: https://imbc.upm.edu.my/

Prepared by,

Dr. Mohd Rashidi Abdull Manap.

Department of Chemistry Faculty of Science UPM

Date of Input: 16/08/2024 | Updated: 16/08/2024 | ahmadzaidi