UPM Strengthens STEAM Literacy: 800 Little Scientists Explore Young Scientist Day 2026

SERDANG, June 13 – The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FPSK), Universiti Putra Malaysia has successfully strengthened its role as a leader in community science education through the organisation of Young Scientist Day 2026 which brought together more than 800 children aged five to 12 years old with their parents and guardians. The programme, which took place from 9.30 am to 4.00 pm, instilled interest in the younger generation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) through an interactive and fun self-exploration approach.

Participants take on the Mighty Meal: My Meal game challenge.

This program is organized by the Department of Human Anatomy in collaboration with the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Nutrition, Department of Dietetics, Department of Radiology, Department of Nursing, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Department of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology as well as the involvement of the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Agriculture, reflecting UPM's commitment to translating complex science concepts into language that is easy for the general public to understand.

YSD 2026 Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sandra Maniam, emphasized that the effectiveness of this program lies in the science communication methods applied in each activity.

"We want to ensure that children can understand science concepts without the need for overly technical and complex explanations." she explained, regarding the philosophy behind the 40 activity stations provided around the Tutorial Room, Multipurpose Laboratory (MPG), Anatomy Museum and Pathology Museum. 

Every discovery begins with curiosity.

This year's science exploration includes iconic activities such as DIY Water Rocket, Water Purification, Earthquake and Structures, Brain Tour, The Tummy Lab and Mathematical Tetris, based on the concept of self-learning and a hands-on approach. As an agriculture-based university, UPM also highlights the Little Agro Explorers zone run by the Faculty of Agriculture, including activities such as Seed Detective, Farm to Food Game and Plant Scientist Lab.

Turbid water is not a barrier. Science teaches that every problem has a solution.

The event was also strengthened by the involvement of approximately 100 committee members and 150 volunteers from medical, biomedical and nursing students. Strategic partnerships with corporate sectors such as Playhouse Therapy, which provided free child development screening tests, as well as support from Smart Biogas, Salad Atelier and eDU-PARK, as well as the presence of Farm Fresh milk trucks, Milo and 26 food vendors added to the excitement of the program.

Look closer, understand more deeply.

Cheerful face, proud results.

The response received exceeded the original target of 800 participants, with the majority being nine-year-old children, proving the growing public interest in the university's science culture program.

"The rocket station was the most exciting activity. My son enjoyed making his own rockets, and his favorite part was launching the rocket," shared one parent.

Another parent reported: "The Anatomy Museum with five activity stations provided a very enjoyable experience. My child was so excited to complete all the activities provided."

From the frontal lobe to the cerebellum, participants learned about the functions of each part of the brain with Brain Ambassador.

Committee members and volunteers for the Young Scientist Day 2026 Program.

Overall, Young Scientist Day 2026 successfully achieved its goal of increasing STEAM literacy and fostering a culture of love for knowledge among the younger generation, thus strengthening UPM's role in disseminating knowledge to the community in order to produce more creative and competitive young talents.

Date of Input: 01/07/2026 | Updated: 01/07/2026 | nadia_rahman