600 students spellbound by science

Students discover the wonders and mystery of science via the IMU Science Discovery Challenge and Chemistry Fiesta.

Students from various secondary schools and pre-university programmes around Malaysia took part in the IMU Science Discovery 2016 event recently, organised by International Medical University (IMU) in collaboration with the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (IKM), Jabatan Kimia Malaysia, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Pusat Sains Negara, Lembaga Getah Malaysia, Cancer Research Malaysia and Institute for Medical Research (IMR).

With the focus being on 'Chemistry', the annual IMU Science Discovery Challenge provided students with an exciting opportunity to learn more about science and explore careers in health sciences, in an informal, engaging and stimulating manner. A total of 200 teams of three students each were challenged on their knowledge of Chemistry, in line with this year’s theme, ‘Chemistry Advancing Knowledge, Improving Lives’.

Visitors eagerly explored the various activities organised throughout the day, including meeting with industry experts, watching a documentary screening, and participating in the many interactive workshops. Students also had the unique opportunity to “get their hands dirty” in activities such as making juice-filled caviar and creams, making home-made sanitiser, toothpaste and deodorant, as well as trying to separate dyes in food and cosmetics.

One of the highlights of the event was the Poster Competition, which saw 58 participants put their understanding of chemistry and creative skills to the test. The winning poster with the theme “Chemistry Advancing Knowledge, Improving Lives” by Attika Afroz from MAZ International School walked away with RM350 while the second prize winner, Keenen Khy Vern Ravindran from Regent International School and third prize winner, Cheng Jia Teck from SMJK Confucian took home RM200 and RM100 respectively.