'SCIENCE FOR SCHOOL' PROGRAMME INSPIRES STUDENTS TO PURSUE HEALTH SCIENCES

USM, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, 5 August 2026 – Efforts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education continue to gain momentum through strategic collaboration between institution of higher education and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) to nurture a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to meet future challenges.

In line with this aspiration, the Programme of Biomedicine, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Society of Malaysia and the Kelantan State Education Department (JPN), successfully organised the 8th Science for School Programme with the theme "Inspiring Future Health Scientists."

This year's programme brought together more than 50 Form Three students and Science teachers from ten selected secondary schools across the districts of Kota Bharu, Bachok, Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Pasir Puteh, and Machang. The opening ceremony was officiated by Ts. Dr. Anis Salwa Abdullah, Head of Assistant Director, TVET Unit, Learning Sector, Kelantan State Education Department. The ceremony was also attended by officers from JPN Kelantan and lecturers from the Programme of Biomedicine, USM.

The programme was organised to enhance students' scientific knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and cultivate a strong interest in science, particularly Health Sciences, through engaging, interactive, and enjoyable learning experiences.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nurul Asma Abdullah, Head Programme of Biomedicine, School of Health Sciences, USM, who also serves as the Director of the Science for School programme, this year's edition introduced a new approach by extending participation to lower secondary school students, with the aim of fostering an early interest in science before they select their academic stream in Form Four.

"This year, we focused on Form Three students because this is a crucial stage in their educational journey, where they begin making important decisions about their academic pathways. The feedback received at the end of the programme was overwhelmingly encouraging, with many participants expressing that they felt inspired, motivated, and more confident to continue pursuing science studies at the upper secondary level and eventually at university," she said.

Throughout the one-day programme, participants engaged in four hands-on scientific modules designed to introduce key areas of Health Sciences: Inside the Gut: Anatomy and Physiology of the Digestive System, The Invisible to Visible: World of DNA, Stem Cell: Mother Cell of All Cells and From Smear to Species: The Art of Gram Staining. These practical learning experiences not only strengthened students' understanding of scientific concepts but also helped dispel the common perception that science is difficult and uninteresting.

Reflecting on the success of this programme, Dr. Nurul Asma noted that the positive response from both students and teachers highlights the importance of sustaining and expanding the Science for School initiative to reach more schools throughout Kelantan. She emphasised that the programme serves as an important platform for nurturing students' interest in science from an early age, identifying young talents with the potential to pursue careers in scientific disciplines, and supporting the nation's aspiration to develop a highly skilled workforce in science, technology, and health.