Taking special needs children on a STEM discovery

Twenty-three special needs children from Taman Sinar Harapan Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Home in Seremban had a great time visiting Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

The trip organised by national oil and gas company PETRONAS was the first for the children aged between seven and 14.

It was an eye-opener for them as they learned more about how science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) made a difference in their everyday lives and what lay ahead.

PETRONAS (Southern Region) general manager Mohd Zaki Mahat said the programme was part of continuous efforts by the company to help foster interest and awareness in the STEM field among students through interesting and interactive activities provided at Petrosains.

He said the children were also taken to the Skybridge on the 41st floor and Observation Deck at Level 86 of Petronas Twin Towers.

“This is the first time we have arranged such a programme for people with special needs from Negri Sembilan,” he said.

“The programme is in line with PETRONAS’ commitment to develop the country’s human capital and ensure those with special needs are given the opportunity to delve and venture into the STEM field.”

Taman Sinar Harapan Tuanku Ampuan Najihah principal Hanuna Salleh said the children were overjoyed to have been given the opportunity to visit the landmark.

“They had a packed programme and were clearly happy to have been given the opportunity, as this was the first time they had participated in a study tour like this, learning and interacting with science and technology.

“It was also the first time the children got to see the PETRONAS Twin Towers up close,” Hanuna said.

Petrosains offers exhibitions and programmes on STEM such as Energy Capsule, which provides insights into the evolution of energy, and Geotime Diorama, which educates visitors on dinosaurs and the state of the earth 200 million years ago.

Petrosains has also undertaken several other initiatives to inspire students to pick up STEM, such as mini science centres across the country (Petrosains PlaySmarts), adventure exhibitions (Petronas StreetSmart), national-level competitions (Petrosains RBTX Challenge) and community programmes (Petrosains Science Festival).

It also provides digital input accessible to the public on its websites, learning blogs and social media platforms.