The Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair (KLESF) returned on 15–16 November 2025, drawing thousands of curious students, educators, and families to the MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC). As one of Malaysia’s largest annual STEM outreach festivals, KLESF continues its mission to promote interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among primary and secondary school students through hands-on learning, engaging demonstrations, and close interaction with STEM professionals.
This year, The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) strengthened its presence with four booths each led by different technical divisions and sections. Together, they showcased the breadth of engineering to the public, from fundamental scientific principles to modern engineering applications.
Among them, the IEM Young Engineers Section (IEM YES) took the lead in operating a dedicated booth focused on STEM workshop activities for primary and secondary school students, as well as younger children who visited the fair. Collaboration formed a key highlight, with contributions from Chemical Engineering Technical Division (CETD), Engineering Education Technical Division (E2TD), Women Engineers Section (WES), and ICT Special Interest Group (ICTSIG). Their collective effort underscored IEM’s commitment to nurturing future talent by making engineering accessible, enjoyable, and inspiring.
Hands-On STEM Activities: Learning Through Discovery
The IEM YES booth buzzed with energy throughout the two-day event, offering interactive, practical experiments designed to help children experience real engineering concepts in simple, memorable ways.
Two specially prepared STEM kits became the centrepiece of the workshop:
1. DIY Mini Projector Kit
Participants built their own mini projector using the basic principles of lens, light, and image projection. By shining light through a magnifying lens onto a transparent film containing words or drawings, students discovered how optical systems work—an elegant introduction to physics and engineering fundamentals.
2. DIY Buzz Wire Challenge
This classic hands-on kit combined basic circuitry and electrical principles. Students assembled a simple conductive pathway connected to a buzzer. As they guided a handheld loop along the wire, the buzzer activated any time the loop made contact, demonstrating closed circuits, conductivity, and precision control. The challenge delighted children and sparked many friendly competitions.
To take the learning further, IEM YES also showcased two fischertechnik engineering models. These mechanical setups allowed participants to explore engineering mechanics, motion systems, and problem-solving through guided experimentation.
Youth Volunteers Leading Youth Engagement
A meaningful aspect of this year’s participation was the involvement of university student volunteers, who served as facilitators throughout the workshop sessions.
IEM YES brought together enthusiastic members from:
- IEM Sunway Student Section (Sunway University)
- IEM UNM Student Section (University of Nottingham Malaysia)
- IEM UM Student Section (Universiti Malaya)
These volunteers played a vital role in explaining concepts, guiding students through experiments, and creating a supportive learning environment. Their presence demonstrated the spirit of youth leadership: young engineers empowering future engineers.
Planting Seeds for the Future
The STEM Workshop at KLESF 2025 reaffirmed IEM’s ongoing mission to promote engineering and science among children and youths. By providing fun, approachable ways to experience engineering principles, the activity helped students connect abstract concepts with real world applications. Many left the booth with bright eyes, a newfound curiosity, and the spark of possibility.
Through collaborations among IEM YES, technical divisions, student sections, and volunteers, the workshop served as a reminder that the future of engineering begins not in university lecture halls, but in a child’s first moment of wonder. The event successfully planted seeds of interest that may one day grow into Malaysia’s next generation of innovative, passionate engineers.
The journey continues, as long as young minds stay curious, engineering will always have a bright future ahead!
