Kasih BIO Programme Inspires STEM Interest, Supports Orang Asli And Asnaf

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- A corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme called Kasih BIO was launched in conjunction with the STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO 2024 programme at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK) Jeli Campus yesterday.

Through the Kasih BIO programme, the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI), provided essential food items and school supplies for 30 Orang Asli families from Sungai Rual, along with zakat donations for 50 asnaf (tithe recipient) students from UMK.

At the same event, Bioeconomy Corporation also collaborated with UMK Jeli Campus to implement the STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO 2024 Programme, which involved the participation of 130 students from 11 schools throughout Kelantan.

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“The students engaged in nine interactive learning activities led by 10 scientists from UMK to enhance their interest and understanding of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), particularly in biotechnology and bio-based fields,” said Bioeconomy Corporation in a statement. 

 MOSTI’s Deputy Secretary-General (Planning and Science Enculturation), Ruziah Shafei, in the same statement said the Kasih BIO and STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO 2024 programmes exemplify how strong collaboration among the government, corporate sectors, and higher education institutions can fulfill the nation’s STI aspirations while ensuring that all segments of society are included in economic and social development.

“These programmes lay a strong foundation for nurturing a highly skilled generation of youth, aligned with future workforce needs in the STI sector. A strong interest and motivation in STEM among the youth must lead to initiatives in STI that provide significant benefits to all layers of society.

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“Only then can Malaysia be recognised as a truly advanced nation in the eyes of the world,” she said during the completion ceremony of the Kasih BIO programme at the UMK Jeli Campus Library.

Bioeconomy Corporation CEO, Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak emphasised that the Kasih BIO and STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO 2024 programmes reflect the organisation’s dedication to education in science, technology, and innovation, aiming to transform lives and provide lasting benefits to the community.

“With our contributions through the Kasih BIO programme and the interactive activities under STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO, we aim to offer meaningful support to those in need while also raising awareness of the significance of biotechnology in daily life.

“We hope to inspire greater student and youth engagement in this field. Biotechnology-based programmes like these build bonds of care and unity among all parties, forming a large family that continually supports one another in achieving the vision of a ‘bioeconomy for all,’” he added.

The STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO 2024 Programme is part of the STI 100³ initiative led by MOSTI, in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's call to promote interest in STEM fields among students in educational institutions, particularly in rural and suburban areas.

Bioeconomy Corporation has been appointed by MOSTI as the Coordinating and Driving Agency to implement the STI 100³ Programme, encouraging active participation from 100 local scientists across 100 schools over a period of 100 days.

It aims to cultivate interest in STEM through student involvement in various interactive programmes, outdoor activities, practical applications in daily life, as well as group programmes and training under the STI 100³ - Sciensation BIO 2024 initiative.

-- BERNAMA