15–16 October 2025, Penang – In a strategic move to enhance its STEM outreach and innovation ecosystem, the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), conducted a benchmarking visit to several key institutions in Penang renowned for their impactful science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) initiatives.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Shafinaz Shahir (Dean, Faculty of Science), the UTM delegation included Prof. ChM. Dr. Zaiton Abdul Majid, Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Mohd Firdaus Abdul Wahab (Manager, External and Global Engagement), and Assoc. Prof. ChM. Dr. Mohd Bakri Bakar. The visit was supported by UTM XCITE and UTM HEPA.
The primary aim of the benchmarking mission was to gather best practices on STEM education, industry collaboration, and community engagement to support the development of a dedicated UTM STEM Centre. Institutions visited included Penang STEM Sdn. Bhd., Penang Digital Library, Tech Dome Penang, and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Highlights of the Visit:
🔹 Penang STEM Sdn. Bhd.:
A unique state-government initiative integrating multiple STEM organizations under one umbrella, Penang STEM focuses on talent pipeline development via corporate-sponsored programs like AIKids, StepUp WizKids, and STEM Future-Proofing. Its structured model offers insights into long-term, scalable STEM education efforts aligned with Industry 4.0.
🔹 Tech Dome Penang:
As a public-private discovery centre, Tech Dome’s hands-on STEM programs (e.g., AI4Youth, Robomania, Women in Zcience) target diverse demographics including B40 students and young innovators, showing the power of inclusive, experiential learning.
🔹 Penang Digital Library (PDL):
Operating on a “bookless” model, PDL promotes digital literacy and 24/7 knowledge access through co-working and collaborative spaces. It exemplifies how libraries can evolve into learning hubs for the digital age.
🔹 USM CEDEC & Makerspace@USM:
USM’s STEM coordination through CEDEC involves cross-sector collaboration, including flagship programs such as CODEMAVEN 4.0, Young WISE, and DroneSINSchool. The visit also opened doors for potential partnerships in Johor involving students from armed forces families.
Strategic Recommendations:
The delegation identified several actionable strategies for UTM and Johor:
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Establishing a UTM STEM Coordination Unit
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Leveraging CSR and state support for funding
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Integrating Makerspace modules in the curriculum
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Launching student-led STEM entrepreneurship and outreach
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Implementing mobile STEM units inspired by PSC’s Code-on-Wheels
Moving Forward:
This benchmarking initiative underlines UTM’s commitment to becoming a national leader in STEM education and outreach. By localizing successful models from Penang, UTM aims to build a comprehensive STEM ecosystem that nurtures talent from primary school to professional readiness—especially in southern Malaysia.
The Faculty of Science continues to drive STEM innovation, community engagement, and sustainable partnerships in line with UTM’s vision for educational excellence.
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