UPNM Allocates RM200,000 To Enhance STEM Education At MADANI Adopted Schools

MELAKA, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) has reinforced its commitment to advancing education and nurturing young talents through the sharing of expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) under the MADANI Adopted School programme at two schools in the state.

UPNM vice-chancellor Lt Gen Datuk Arman Rumaizi Ahmad said the programme, involving Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Telok Mas and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tun Tijah, is part of the university’s efforts to establish strategic partnerships in advancing national education excellence.

“This programme is also in line with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s call to narrow the education gap and strengthen the learning ecosystem through the active involvement of higher education institutions.

“With an allocation of RM100,000 for each school, UPNM is focusing on four main empowerment pillars, namely infrastructure improvements, academic and STEM interventions, character and leadership development, as well as welfare and community support,” he said in his speech at the MADANI Adopted School Project Handover Ceremony 2025 at SK Telok Mas here today.

Arman Rumaizi said UPNM’s involvement goes beyond corporate social responsibility, describing it as a long-term strategic partnership to ensure the continuity of students’ education through the university level.

He said under the infrastructure improvement component, UPNM will upgrade learning spaces and basic school facilities to create a more conducive, safe and supportive environment for effective teaching and learning.

“For the academic and STEM pillar, Learning Clinics, STEM programmes and examination guidance will be expanded to spark students’ interest in science and technology while enhancing their academic performance.

“UPNM also emphasises character and leadership development through the strengthening of personal values, self-discipline and the spirit of patriotism from an early age,” he said.

He added that mastery of STEM is crucial in addressing future global challenges and enhancing national resilience.

“We want these efforts to serve as a bridge for these children to continue excelling through knowledge-sharing and transfer via this strategic partnership,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arman Rumaizi also conducted a site visit to UPNM’s MADANI Adopted Village in Kampung Alai to monitor the progress of upgrading works, which involve an allocation of about RM1 million.

He said the project is about 80 per cent complete, involving the construction of a roofed futsal court, repairs to village trading stalls, installation of lighting at the new cemetery area and new carpets at Masjid Al-Falihin.

-- BERNAMA