By Zuraidah Ali

Climate change has affected our country, Malaysia in several ways like extreme floods, landslides and heat waves. As a tropical country with thick rainforest, deforestation and forest fires which happen occasionally impose threats on biodiversity and leads to animal extinction, while rising temperatures may result in detrimental health and uncomfortable living conditions.

Realizing the climate risks and weather hazards, Malaysians from all walks of life have begun to play a more active role in saving the environment. Recycling campaigns, beach clean-ups, and tree planting have become a regular agenda for private organizations and general public. Further, schools and institutes of higher learning carry out these activities within the neighbourhood or participate in local environmental events.

In support of the nation’s struggle for a greener, safer and better future, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) has recently carried out a series of environmental and awareness programs under the KPT Translational Grant. The aim is to produce comprehensive solutions to current issues in Cameron Highlands through social innovation and help improve socio-economic standards and community well-being by bringing university research products to the community. The main objective is to conserve the environment by harnessing hydroelectric energy, promoting edu-tourism, and increasing students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) literacy.

The project leader Professor Datin Ir. Dr. Lariyah Mohd. Sidek has chosen Cameron Highlands as the base for the Translational research. A hilly holiday destination for locals and tourists, Cameron Highlands is famous for its cold weather and lush greenery with endless stretch of tea plantation as well as virgin forest. Hence, it is important to conserve nature and educate the younger generation to protect the precious treasures of Cameron Highlands and ensure safe living.

To accomplish its objectives, UNITEN collaborates with Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) (TNB Power Generation and TNB Energy Services) and Cameron Highlands City Council as well as government departments and Non-government Organization (NGO) such as Pejabat Tanah dan Daerah Cameron Highlands (PDTCH), Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri (JPN) Pahang, Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah (PPD), Pejabat Pertanian, Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA), Pahang Corporation, and Malaysian National Committee on Large Dam (MYCOLD) to improve the monitoring system of micro hydroelectricity generation for village folks, promote dam safety awareness and STEM education among children, as well as boost economy among farmers and orang asli via economic analysis evaluation and edu-tourism.

On 26 and 27th February 2025, the team of UNITEN researchers conducted educational awareness programmes titled “Translational-SESAB: Kesedaran Tenaga Hijau dan Keselamatan Sekitar Empangan” for secondary school students at Sekolah Menengah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Sekolah Menengah Kampung Raja. A total of 180 students participated in two STEM education workshops on AtomWise nuclear awareness activity led by Dr Mohd Syukri bin Yahya and gamification approach in learning led by Ts. Gs. Dr. Nazirul Mubin Zahari.

AtomWise is a nuclear awareness program designed to spark students’ interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), with a particular focus on nuclear energy as a clean and reliable baseload power source. The program engages participants through two interactive, hands-on activities: NucleaRace and Nuclear DIY.

Developed by Dr. Nuraslinda Anuar and Dr. Ang Wei Eng, NucleaRace is a fast-paced team-based game where two mini-groups compete to complete five sequential challenges. Each challenge involves mini-quizzes covering the fundamentals of radiation science and nuclear energy, reinforcing key concepts in an engaging and dynamic way.

As for Nuclear DIY, it was created by Rogemah Ramli and Nur‘ainaa Kabilmiharbi. The activity challenges students to construct a working model of a nuclear power plant using power cups, a mini dynamo-generator, and other consumable materials. While provided with basic guidelines, students are given the flexibility to determine their approach, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.

The two activities run concurrently with students alternating between NucleaRace and Nuclear DIY, ensuring an immersive and well-paced learning experience. Survey results indicate that students thoroughly enjoyed both activities, demonstrating an increased level of awareness and understanding of nuclear energy. More importantly, AtomWise successfully demystifies nuclear energy, breaking down misconceptions and normalizing the term “nuclear” in a positive and engaging manner. Ultimately, the program achieves its goal of enhancing nuclear literacy among participants, encouraging them to consider nuclear science as an exciting and viable field of study.

Other than AtomWise, UNITEN team introduced to the students a groundbreaking project in reshaping STEM education by leveraging gamification, particularly in engineering and sustainable energy concepts. Utilizing standard gaming console devices such as the Nintendo Switch Labo VR, PICO 4 VR, and Leap Motion, the initiative provides an immersive learning experience that highlights the benefits of interactive and gamified education.

The project introduces two innovative learning modules designed to make complex scientific principles more accessible. The first module, Fundamentals of Physics, allows students to explore the Bernoulli principle through interactive, hands-on experiences using Nintendo Switch Labo VR. Additionally, Leap Motion’s hand-tracking technology introduces fluid dynamics concepts in an intuitive and engaging manner.

The second module, Hydropower Energy, immerses students in the world of renewable energy. Through Nintendo Switch Labo VR, they can simulate turbine mechanics, gaining insights into the operational aspects of hydropower systems. Meanwhile, PICO 4 VR enables a detailed visualization of water spillway dynamics, providing a deeper understanding of energy generation and water flow management.

By incorporating effective gamification strategies such as simulation-based learning and interactive visualizations, the project has demonstrated significant improvements in student understanding and retention of STEM concepts. This initiative underscores the potential of integrating virtual reality and hand-tracking motion technology into education. By making learning more immersive and interactive, gamification can enhance STEM literacy, encourage innovative thinking, and promote sustainable energy education for future generations.

There will be more programs for UNITEN Translational series in 2025 which will ultimately bring the university closer to the community. Also, it is hoped that this collaboration among TNB, Cameron Highlands government departments and agencies, UNITEN and Cameron Highlands local community hold promise for a lasting impact on better living situations and sustainability.

_{The author is the Head of Edu-tourism, College of Continuing Education (CCEd), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN). She may be reached at zue@uniten.edu.my}