STEM+ Research Center (STEM+@TAR)

Center Leader

Asst. Prof. Dr. Chen @ Chong Sheau Huey

Research Group Members

Ms Wong Pei Yin, AP Dr Ng Kim Hooi, Asst. Prof. Dr Choong Shiau Huai, Asst. Prof. Dr Tan Thiam Seng, Mr Chong Nyok Kian

This list is non exhaustive, FOAS and TAR UMT researchers are welcome to join the STEM+ Research Center should their area of interest align to the Centre’s objectives, vision and rationale.

Location: FOAS D209 and D210

Objectives:

The STEM+ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and additional disciplines) Research Centre aims to connect and join the missing connections to crosscutting concepts and real-world applications to overcome the issue of students disinterested in science discipline. This involves conducting original research, exploring new concepts, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Beyond Education -To promote science education through industrial and demand-driven approach
Research and Development - To undertake strategic research in key areas aligned to our team expertise in the area of Science Education. STEM+ research centers often bring together researchers from different disciplines to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating multiple fields of study, these centers promote innovation and tackle complex problems that require a multidimensional approach.
Collaboration - To serve as a science hub for industrial partners and to contribute to Malaysia’s scientific industry
Promoting STEM education and outreach: STEM+ research centers often have an educational component. They may engage in outreach programs to inspire and educate students, teachers, and the general public about STEM disciplines.

Vision

The STEM+ Reseach Center strives to promote science education in the authentic contexts that demand a new generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics experts.

Rationale and Research Plan

a) Research and Development - to explore funding opportunities and to seek for potential research and development opportunities from the industrial and external organizations.

b) Collaboration - to work with the Secondary Education, professional bodies, societies and stakeholders in promoting Science Education

c) Training and Knowledge Exchange - to provide the platform for conferences, seminars, road shows, presentations for upskilling and reskilling to resilience in the dynamic environment.

Activities

1) 49th International Congress on Science, Technology and Technology-based Innovation, 23 - 25 January 2024

Assistant Professor Dr Chen @ Chong Sheau Huey (co-researcher: Ms Wong Pei Yin) attended and orally presented their work: Post-Pandemic Impact on a Private University in Malaysia: Adapting Strategies for Sustainable Education in Chemistry at the 49th International Congress on Science, Technology and Technology-based Innovation, jointly organized by the Science Society of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King, under the theme “SDGs FOR THE BENEFIT OF MANKIND held at Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla from January 23 - 25, 2024.

2) The 27th IUPAC International Conference on Chemistry Education (ICCE2024), 15 - 17 July 2024

Asst. Prof. Dr. Chen @ Chong Sheau Huey has been awarded the 'Conference Scholarship for Young Scientist' in ICCE 2024 organized by Chulalongkorn University, Thailand:

Poster Presentation Title: Development of a Microscale Experiment in Volumetric Analysis Between Potassium Permanganate and Iron (II)
Author: Dr Chong Sheau Huey; Co-auhor: Ms Wong Jia Wei; BSc (Hons) in Analytical Chemistry, Year 3 student
Website for the award name list (scroll all the way down): https://www.icce2024thailand.com/wcontent/datacontent/scholarships-name-list

Publications

Chong, S. H., Goolamally, N., & Leong, K. E. (2019). Post-secondary science students’ understanding on Mole concept and solution concentration. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 7(4), 986–1000. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2019.070410