JOHOR BAHRU, Sept 22 – The Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FKE) and the Office of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have taken a significant step in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education through a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, “Robotic for All” (RFA). Through this initiative, students from selected schools are trained using practical robotic modules. This initiative has successfully introduced robotics education to schools, providing students and teachers with practical exposure to essential technological skills.
The program focuses on basic robotics projects, including line following and obstacle avoidance. These modules are designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of sensors, programming, and automation. By working hands-on with robots, students not only learn how to assemble and program machines but also gain confidence in problem-solving, creativity, and teamwork.
One of the main highlights of this CSR project is its knowledge transfer model. At Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kangkar Pulai, students who first received training under RFA became knowledge ambassadors. They shared what they had learned with three different groups within their school: 36 senior secondary students, 36 junior secondary students, and 36 teachers. This cascading model ensured that the benefits of the program were not limited to a small group but instead reached a wider audience, embedding robotics learning across the school community.
Teachers who participated in the sessions praised the initiative for its inclusivity and sustainability. By equipping both students and educators, the project has created a foundation where robotics can be integrated into classroom learning and extracurricular activities. “This program empowers us as teachers to support STEM education in new ways. The students are excited, and the knowledge continues to spread,” said a teacher from SMK Kangkar Pulai.
The sustainability aspect of RFA was further strengthened as knowledge sharing was also conducted at another schools. SMK Pulai Jaya and SMK Dato’ Mohd Yunos Sulaiman benefitted from the program as trained students and teachers extended what they had learned through additional workshops and collaborative activities. This expansion created a ripple effect, turning the CSR initiative into a long-lasting movement of knowledge sharing and innovation.
For the students, the impact has been transformative. Many discovered that robotics is not as complicated as they once imagined. The hands-on experience of building robots that can follow a line or avoid obstacles inspired them to see science and technology in a new light. A student participant shared, “When my robot successfully completed the obstacle avoidance challenge, I felt proud. Now I want to learn more and teach my friends too.”
By combining technical training with a model of sustainable knowledge transfer, the RFA team from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering has ensured that RFA initiative is more than a one-off program. It is a catalyst for continuous learning, equipping schools with the tools, confidence, and enthusiasm to nurture future innovators.
As Malaysia strives to prepare its youth for the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0), initiatives like RFA demonstrate the powerful role universities can play in supporting schools. With SMK Kangkar Pulai, SMK Pulai Jaya, and SMK Dato Mohd Yunos Sulaiman actively embracing robotics education, the seeds of innovation have been planted, seeds that will continue to grow and inspire generations to come.
Prepared by,
Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Anita Ahmad
Faculty of Electrical Engineering
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
Source: UTM NewsHub