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, Asst. Prof. Dr Lim Lee Chang

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

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

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
Chong, S. H., & Wong, P. Y. (2024). Post-pandemic impact on a private university in Malaysia: Adapting Strategies for Sustainable Education in Chemistry. Brazilian Journal of Development, 10(10). https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv10n10-034
Choong, S.H. (Ed.). (2024). Science Year 6 (Student Activity Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Educa􀆟on PLT.
Choong, S. H. (Ed.). (2024). Science Year 6 (Teacher Guide Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Educa􀆟on PLT.
Gorgey, A., Choong, S. H. Hong, W. H., Kor, L. K., Lai, M. L., & Poon, C. Y. (2024). Mathematics Year 6 (Student Activity Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Foo, K. K., Choong, S. H., Hong, W. H., Kor, L. K., Lai, M. L., Poon, C. Y., & Jong, C. M. (2024). Mathematics Year 6 (Teacher Guide Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Chai, C. P., Choong, S. H., Foo, K. K., Hong , W. H., Lai, M. L., Poon, C. Y., & Teong, M. M. (2023). Mathematics Year 5 (Student Activity Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Chai, C. P., Choong, S. H., Foo, K. K., Hong, W. H., Lai, M. L., Poon, C. Y., & Teong, M. M. (2023). Mathematics Year 5 (Teacher Guide Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Gorgey, A., Choong S. H., Foo, K. K., Hong, W. H., Lai M. L., Kor, L. K., Kwan, S. W., & Poon, C. Y. (2022). Mathematics Year 4 (Student Activity Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Gorgey, A., Choong S. H., Foo, K. K., Hong, W. H., Lai M. L., Kor, L. K., Kwan, S. W., & Poon, C. Y. (2022). Mathematics Year 4 (Teacher Guide Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Kor, L. K., & Choong, S. H. (2021). Mathematics Year 2D (Student Activity Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Kor, L. K., & Choong, S. H. (2021). Mathematics Year 2D (Teacher Guide Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
TChong, F. M., Tay, S. H., & Choong, S. H. (2021). Science Year 2B (Student Activity Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
TChong, F. M., Tay, S. H., & Choong, S. H. (2021). Science Year 2B (Teacher Guide Book) Science and Mathematics in English for Sarawak. SPARKS Education PLT.
Choong, S. H., Daniel, E. G. S., & DeWit, D. (2020). Literature review on Confucian heritage culture identity in Malaysian chinese pre-university students. PUPIL: International Journal of Teaching, Education and Learning, 4(1), 12-18. htps://doi.org/10.20319/pijtel.2020.41.1218
Choong, S. H., Daniel, E. G. S., & DeWit, D. (2019). In Search of a Confucian Heritage Culture Identity in Malaysian Chinese Pre-University Students. PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences, 26th ICTEL 2019 – International Conference on Teaching, Education & Learning.

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