WAWASAN Open University (WOU) - the country's leading distance learning institution, recently scored big in its community outreach efforts when it engaged a school here on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
It conducted a workshop for pupils at SMK (P) Sri Mutiara and guided its students to qualify for a state-level STEM competition.
For Nor Suhaila Binti Abdul Rahim, the school’s Science teacher, the workshop had completely reshaped how she approached science and engineering in the classroom.
“Before this, I only relied on Google and diagrams to learn about bridge building. But during the workshop, WOU facilitators shared creative and practical techniques that helped me understand the process deeply. Using simple materials like wooden sticks, I successfully built a bridge model and brought that knowledge back to my students,” said Nor Suhaila.
The workshop was part of a district-wide initiative by WOU in collaboration with the northeast district education office.
The programme, comprising four interactive sessions, has benefited over 120 teachers from 70 schools across the district, aiming to empower them with practical, hands-on STEM teaching methods.
Nor Suhaila in a statement, described the workshop as a turning point, particularly for teachers with no prior experience in STEM, in helping them gain the confidence to embrace the field.
Armed with new insights and confidence, Nor Suhaila went on to establish a STEM Club at her school, introducing her students to hands-on challenges and bringing the workshop’s spirit directly into her classroom.
"With the guidance and tips shared by the WOU facilitators, I was able to pass on what I learned to my students. Their enthusiasm motivated us to take part in the district-level STEM competition, and we were thrilled when we qualified for the state - level stage. The students felt proud and happy because their hard work took them somewhere."
“The STEM Club gives my students a platform to explore science and engineering beyond the textbook. At the same time, it allows me to share what I’ve learned with them and guide them to explore their creativity, think critically, and experiment with their own ideas,” she said.
WOU’s commitment to STEM education runs deep, with a strong focus on equipping educators to spark change from the ground up.
According to Assoc Prof Ts Dr Sean Tan Koon Tatt, Dean of WOU’s School of Technology and Engineering Science (STE), the initiative is part of a broader mission to build Malaysia’s future STEM talent.
“As the country accelerates efforts to build a robust STEM talent pipeline, WOU is proud to play a role in laying the groundwork. Through these workshops, we’re not just training teachers—we’re empowering them to become catalysts of change in their schools and communities,” said Tan.
By equipping teachers with the right tools to make STEM hands-on and relatable, WOU aims to enliven the subject in more Penang schools.
It plans to foster a culture of curiosity, creativity and innovation, one classroom, one project, one student at a time, said Tan.
Since 2006, WOU has empowered over 28,000 learners through accredited programmes designed for upskilling, reskilling, and career advancement. - August 23, 2025.
