Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan Yee Kit from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology has played a significant role in advancing STEM education through his dedicated involvement in the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI)’s national outreach programme, STI 100³ (100 Scientists, 100 Days, 100 Schools). The initiative is designed to inspire secondary school students across Malaysia by engaging scientists and experts to lead hands-on, STEM-focused activities within a condensed 100-day period.
As part of Cycle 1.5—an extended phase of the programme that brought in an additional 50 scientists and 50 schools—Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan was selected to serve as the STEM coach for Sekolah Menengah Teknik Melaka. His participation, which spanned from January to April 2025, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. Under his leadership, a total of three high-impact STEM activities were successfully conducted in March and April 2025, reaching 25 Form 5 students from SM Teknik Melaka.
The first activity was a talk entitled “Introduction to Remote Sensing Technology,” held at SM Teknik Melaka. In this session, Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan introduced students to the exciting world of remote sensing, explaining its core principles and its wide-ranging applications in fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and urban planning. His clear and engaging presentation made complex ideas easier to understand and encouraged students to take a greater interest in the topic.
This was followed by a hands-on workshop on Geographic Information System (GIS), conducted at the Computer Design Lab, FET, Melaka campus. By bringing students into the university environment, Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan created a valuable exposure opportunity where students could interact with real-world GIS tools and techniques. The workshop provided insights into spatial analysis and how GIS is used to solve real-life problems, fostering deeper interest in geospatial technology.
The third activity, a workshop on Radar Technology, was held at Computer Lab 2, also at MMU Melaka. This session allowed students to explore the fundamentals of radar systems and engage in a practical mini project to construct a simple radar model. Through experiential learning, students were able to apply theoretical knowledge in a meaningful and enjoyable way, strengthening their understanding and confidence in STEM subjects.
This initiative not only exposed students to advanced STEM concepts but also cultivated essential skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. His efforts went beyond conventional teaching methods by combining theory with practice and by leveraging MMU’s facilities to enrich the students’ learning experience.
The collaboration between MMU and SM Teknik Melaka, made possible through this programme, has created a strong foundation for future academic engagement and partnership. Prof. Ir. Dr. Chan’s impactful involvement in the STI 100³ initiative stands as a testament to the positive change that passionate educators and institutions can bring to the community.
