Innovate on Wheels: Mobile Makerspaces Driving Community Empowerment
The STEM on Wheels initiative is a community engagement programme spearheaded by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), in collaboration with the Perak State Executive Councilor (EXCO) Communication, Multimedia and NGOs and Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports and STEM National Malaysia. Supported by a combined sponsorship of RM12,500 from national and state government sources, the programme seeks to strengthen access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among underserved rural communities in Perak.
This initiative delivers mobile makerspaces directly to schools, enabling students to participate in structured hands on learning activities. Through robotics, digital literacy and creative innovation projects, students are provided with opportunities to acquire relevant skills, enhance problem solving capabilities and develop a deeper interest in STEM related fields.
Project Engagement
Phase 1
Date: 14 December 2024
Venue: SMK Iskandar Shah, Parit
Collaboration: Perak State Education Department & UTP PETROBOTS Club
Participants: Over 50 Form 3 students
Focus: Robotics challenges, creative maker projects and digital literacy training.
Skills Developed: Problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and creativity.
Phase 2
Date: 31 May 2025
Venue: SMK Toh Indera Wangsa Ahmad
Collaboration: Perak State Education Department, Friends of IRC (FIRC) & UTP PETROBOTS Club
Participants: Over 50 Form 3 students
Focus: Robotics challenges, creative maker projects and digital literacy training.
Skills Developed: Problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity.
Project leader : Pn. Maria Hani Mustaffa(mariahani.mustaffa@utp.edu.my)
