Latest news with #YongKumCheng
Barnama
31-07-2025
- Science
- Barnama
Science Castle Malaysia Expands STEM Access For Sarawakian Students
KUCHING, July 31 (Bernama) -- The Science Castle Malaysia 2025 programme in Kuching today aims to expand STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education access for students in Sarawak, particularly those with strong potential in research and innovation. Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad executive director and chief production officer Yong Kum Cheng said that based on the experience of organising the previous instalment of Science Castle Malaysia, there were major challenges for students in Sabah and Sarawak to participate in the programme due to cost and logistical constraints. Speaking at a press conference after the programme's launch today, Yong said Ajinomoto believes technology is key to nation-building, and Science Castle serves as a platform to support that goal. 'That's why we ensure the programme is inclusive - whether students are from Kuching, Sibu or rural areas, all are welcome to participate and learn through hands-on experience, not just theory,' he said. He added that factory visits and industry expert sessions help students visualise their future paths and understand how they can contribute using their knowledge. 'Students studying biology, chemistry or physics can see how their knowledge applies in fields like automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and natural resource management,' said Yong. Meanwhile, Science Castle Malaysia project chief, Muhammad Basril Muhammad Asri, said the programme is open to secondary school students, without specific themes or criteria, as long as projects relate to science and technology. 'We want to spark interest early without burdening students with complex assessments. It's about applied, hands-on learning,' he said. Muhammad Basril added that nearly 500 students joined this year, reflecting Sarawakian students' strong enthusiasm and confidence in sharing ideas.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
10 schools awarded Science Castle Grant 2025 for Asia-level STEM competition
SEREMBAN: A total of 10 schools have been selected to receive the Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad Award, each worth RM2,000 in educational funds, to participate in the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition, this October, in Cyberjaya. The selected schools are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bako, SMK Bau, SMK Lundu, SMK Asyakirin Bintulu, all in Sarawak; Sekolah Menengah St. Michael (Sabah); SMK Seri Berang (Terengganu); SMK Tumpat (Kelantan); SMK Taman Pelangi Indah (Johor), SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (Selangor) and the Royal Military College (RMC). Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad's chief production officer, Yong Kum Cheng, said that through collaboration with Leave a Nest Malaysia (LVNSMY), the initiative aims to foster the interest and involvement of the younger generation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 'In addition to research funding support, participants are receiving guidance from mentors, including 10 researchers from Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad and Leave a Nest Malaysia, via online and face-to-face sessions, over a five-month period. 'The results of their efforts will be showcased at the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition. The best research projects will have the opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious Science Castle World event, in Tokyo, in December 2025,' he told reporters at the grant presentation and workshop, here, today. Also present were Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad managing director Daisaku Wadami and LVNSMY managing director Abdul Hakim Sahidi. Yong said that Ajinomoto, together with the young researchers, aims to explore innovative solutions to enhance food quality, reduce waste, and promote sustainability, ultimately encouraging more students to pursue studies in STEM fields. 'Based on the latest data, there has been a positive increase in secondary school students' involvement in STEM fields. However, the national target for STEM participation has yet to be achieved, even after more than five decades,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ashraf Raiez Mohammad Riduan, a teacher at RMC, said that five of his students have been working on and presenting an innovative tablet fertiliser project, over the past two months. He added that the opportunity was invaluable for students to build their skills and further develop their research, enabling them to produce high-quality, innovative projects. 'Fertiliser is often seen as something inexpensive, but it plays a crucial role in accelerating crop yields. It also holds significant value if marketed effectively,' he said.
Barnama
15-05-2025
- Science
- Barnama
10 Schools Awarded Science Castle Grant 2025 For Asia-level STEM Competition
GENERAL SEREMBAN, May 15 (Bernama) -- A total of 10 schools have been selected to receive the Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad Award, each worth RM2,000 in educational funds, to participate in the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition, this October, in Cyberjaya. The selected schools are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bako, SMK Bau, SMK Lundu, SMK Asyakirin Bintulu, all in Sarawak; Sekolah Menengah St. Michael (Sabah); SMK Seri Berang (Terengganu); SMK Tumpat (Kelantan); SMK Taman Pelangi Indah (Johor), SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (Selangor) and the Royal Military College (RMC). Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad's chief production officer, Yong Kum Cheng, said that through collaboration with Leave a Nest Malaysia (LVNSMY), the initiative aims to foster the interest and involvement of the younger generation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 'In addition to research funding support, participants are receiving guidance from mentors, including 10 researchers from Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad and Leave a Nest Malaysia, via online and face-to-face sessions, over a five-month period. 'The results of their efforts will be showcased at the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition. The best research projects will have the opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious Science Castle World event, in Tokyo, in December 2025,' he told reporters at the grant presentation and workshop, here, today. Also present were Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad managing director Daisaku Wadami and LVNSMY managing director Abdul Hakim Sahidi. Yong said that Ajinomoto, together with the young researchers, aims to explore innovative solutions to enhance food quality, reduce waste, and promote sustainability, ultimately encouraging more students to pursue studies in STEM fields. 'Based on the latest data, there has been a positive increase in secondary school students' involvement in STEM fields. However, the national target for STEM participation has yet to be achieved, even after more than five decades,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ashraf Raiez Mohammad Riduan, a teacher at RMC, said that five of his students have been working on and presenting an innovative tablet fertiliser project, over the past two months. He added that the opportunity was invaluable for students to build their skills and further develop their research, enabling them to produce high-quality, innovative projects.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Students to showcase STEM projects at Science Castle Grant 2025
SEREMBAN: A total of 10 schools have been selected to receive the Science Castle Grant 2025 Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad Award, each worth RM2,000 in educational funds, to participate in the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition, this October, in Cyberjaya. The selected schools are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Bako, SMK Bau, SMK Lundu, SMK Asyakirin Bintulu, all in Sarawak; Sekolah Menengah St. Michael (Sabah); SMK Seri Berang (Terengganu); SMK Tumpat (Kelantan); SMK Taman Pelangi Indah (Johor), SMK Bandar Puchong Jaya (Selangor) and the Royal Military College (RMC). Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad's chief production officer, Yong Kum Cheng, said that through collaboration with Leave a Nest Malaysia (LVNSMY), the initiative aims to foster the interest and involvement of the younger generation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 'In addition to research funding support, participants are receiving guidance from mentors, including 10 researchers from Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad and Leave a Nest Malaysia, via online and face-to-face sessions, over a five-month period. 'The results of their efforts will be showcased at the Science Castle Asia 2025 competition. The best research projects will have the opportunity to represent the country at the prestigious Science Castle World event, in Tokyo, in December 2025,' he told reporters at the grant presentation and workshop, here, today. Also present were Ajinomoto (Malaysia) Berhad managing director Daisaku Wadami and LVNSMY managing director Abdul Hakim Sahidi. Yong said that Ajinomoto, together with the young researchers, aims to explore innovative solutions to enhance food quality, reduce waste, and promote sustainability, ultimately encouraging more students to pursue studies in STEM fields. 'Based on the latest data, there has been a positive increase in secondary school students' involvement in STEM fields. However, the national target for STEM participation has yet to be achieved, even after more than five decades,' he said. Meanwhile, Mohammad Ashraf Raiez Mohammad Riduan, a teacher at RMC, said that five of his students have been working on and presenting an innovative tablet fertiliser project, over the past two months. He added that the opportunity was invaluable for students to build their skills and further develop their research, enabling them to produce high-quality, innovative projects. 'Fertiliser is often seen as something inexpensive, but it plays a crucial role in accelerating crop yields. It also holds significant value if marketed effectively,' he said.
