STEM+ Research Center (STEM+@TAR)

 Center Leader

     Asst. Prof. Dr. Chen @ Chong Sheau Huey

STEM+ Research Center (STEM+@TAR)

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.

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:


3) Curriculum Day at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Kosas, Ampang, 26 September 2024

VENUE: Jalan Kosas 2/2, Taman Kosas, 68000 Ampang, Selangor.

TIME: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

 

Organized by:

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT)

 

 

REPORT

 

On 26th September 2024, the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Engineering from Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) were invited as one of the exhibitors for Curriculum Day at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Taman Kosas, Ampang. The event was held from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and featured hands-on booths designed to inspire secondary students to explore different fields of study. TAR UMT was focused on science and technology, particularly chemistry and physics.

 

The Chemistry Booth, titled “The Fun of Studying Chemistry: Cabbage Juice as the pH Indicator,” was led by Associate Prof. Dr. Tan Ming Yueh. The booth aimed to demonstrate the practical and engaging aspects of chemistry by introducing students to the concept of pH determination using a natural indicator—red cabbage juice. In addition, students also were taught and encouraged to prepare red cabbage juice at home as the pH indicator.

 

Students were allowed to use red cabbage juice as a pH indicator to determine the pH of various testing solutions, including vinegar, body shampoo, carbonated drink, baking soda solution and breath (exhaled air). Students measured 5 mL of a testing solution and poured it into a centrifuge tube. An equal volume (5 mL) of red cabbage juice was added to the solution. The mixture changed color based on the solution's pH: acidic environments (pH < 7): the solution turned red; in alkaline (basic) environments (pH > 7): the solution turned bluish-green. Students referred to a pH colour chart (Figure 1) to determine the pH value of each solution. Those who correctly identified the pH of all solutions were awarded a pen as a token of encouragement.

 

Red cabbage juice contains anthocyanin, a water-soluble pigment that changes colour in response to pH. This experiment demonstrated how natural materials could be used to study acids and bases, providing students with a practical application of science in daily life. It served as an engaging way to reinforce classroom concepts and make learning chemistry more relatable and fun.

 

The responses and participation from students were overwhelmingly positive. The hands-on nature of the activity sparked curiosity and motivated students to engage with scientific concepts. The hands-on booth was a success and effectively met its objective of inspiring students to study science and technology. 


Publications