The Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre (PSKT) successfully brought science and technology education to rural communities, despite the challenges posed by a journey exceeding 100 kilometers from Kuala Terengganu. The two-day event, known as the Science Journey Carnival STI MADANI, took place at Dewan Balora in Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah and attracted approximately 5,700 visitors. This initiative marked a significant milestone in PSKT”s efforts to engage with rural communities, showcasing a strong interest and participation from local residents.
“We did not establish specific attendance goals, but the level of enthusiasm we witnessed over the two days has been extraordinary,” stated Mohd Huzairil Nizam Ibrahim, the CEO of PSKT. “What was particularly uplifting was the active involvement of not only schoolchildren but also their parents and guardians. The event provided a valuable opportunity for families to bond while exploring the wonders of science together.”
Among the visitors was Mustafa Mohd Rafi, a mathematics teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan Ayer Puteh in Kemaman, who brought along 38 students via a chartered bus. “This program holds immense significance for us. We had long intended to visit PSKT in Kuala Terengganu, but logistical and budgetary constraints posed challenges. When we learned about this event in our area, we seized the opportunity to ensure our students received the same exposure as their peers in urban settings,” he expressed.
Muhammad Adhwa Hazziq Arsad, Assistant Manager for Community and Social Development at KETENGAH, described the carnival as an essential platform for introducing science to rural youth. “This initiative represents a foundational step towards fostering a culture of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Programs like this will equip our rural youth to integrate science into their daily lives,” he remarked.
Local resident Nur Zulaikha Zulkifli, a mother of five, expressed her pleasant surprise at the scale of the event. “At first, I thought it would be a simple gathering with a few games for the kids. However, upon arrival, I was amazed by the hands-on and interactive nature of the exhibitions. As a parent, I strive to provide the best educational opportunities for my children, yet financial and geographical barriers often hinder this. The fact that this carnival was free of charge is incredibly beneficial for families in rural areas,” she noted.
The carnival was made possible through the STI MADANI grant, supported strategically by Petronas via Petrosains and the regional development agency Ketengah. Their joint efforts aim to bridge the gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education between urban and rural communities.
In addition to the main STEM exhibitions set up indoors, the carnival featured a lively assortment of outdoor activities, including traditional games, magic shows, sky observation sessions, and agency showcases, drawing visitors from various backgrounds and age groups. Students were introduced to a wide array of science-related activities throughout the carnival.
