Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Empowering the Sustainability of Chemistry in STEM

through International Community Engagement Project
Community Engagement Project

Alyaa Dhabitah Suhaimi, Najman Naqib Kamaruzaman, Nurul Qiestina Qhausar Azli Akmal, Jade Shanya Fu, Nur Syaraha
Salwah Mohd Nazli, Farah Anis Syafiqah MD Farizal, Masyitah Arifin, Amir Danial Syazwan Mohd Zulkkifli, Maisarah Mahadi,
Cham Hui Jing, Nureen Amalia Zulkifli, Nur Marsitah Laily, Nur Insyirah Umat Lokman, Adam Shaquille Khaz Khamizad, Setal
Govi Nair, Nurazieda Dayana Rozi, Nurin Athirah Nor Azam, Nur Qistina Batrisya Zulkifli, Noah Adam Noor Mohamad,
Jeevanesan S Jayaraja, Mohd Faisal Taha* and Khairulazhar Jumbri*
Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
32610 Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia.

Abstract:- International Community Engagement Project The main challenge is to address is the limited exposure
conducted by Al Rhazes Jr group that consist of 20 to sciences education, particularly in the field of chemistry,
students and 2 supervisors was designed to provide among young individuals. Studies conducted at both the
undergraduate students of Universiti Teknologi university and national levels have indicated a declining
PETRONAS (UTP), Malaysia with a unique opportunity interest in chemistry due to a lack of understanding and
to engage in an international community outreach exposure (Akram et al., 2017). Consequently, there has been a
project. The program aligned with the UTP’s vision of significant decrease in the number of chemistry graduates,
increasing the number of students who gain international leading to a shortage of skilled professionals in chemistry-
related sectors such as research and development, food quality
experience during their education. The primary objective
control, and environmental science (Shwartzl et al., 2021).
of the program was to inspire and cultivate an interest in
chemistry-related fields among high school students in Al Rhazes Jr project seeks to inspire and ignite
rural areas. Recognizing the lack of exposure to enthusiasm for chemistry among the youth. By showcasing
chemistry programs among the younger generation, the the practical applications and potential of the field through
project aimed to address this issue and reverse the chemistry explore race, the group aims to stimulate interest in
declining interest in the field. Through a captivating two- research-based programs and careers in chemistry. It is
week program, a chemistry enrichment module known as believed that fostering a passion for chemistry will contribute
the chemistry explore race, which successfully engaged to the overall growth and development of the nation. In
and inspired 60 high school students. In addition to the addition to addressing the decline in interest in chemistry, the
chemistry explore race, STEM education classes were group also conducted STEM education classes and interactive
also conducted for primary school students in the rural projects for primary school students in a rural area, to inspire
area of Pulau Gadang, Pekanbaru, Indonesia, offering students and enhance their skills in STEM. By introducing
valuable learning experiences to the local community. these subjects in a fun and engaging way, the group aimed to
spark their interest and provide them with valuable learning
Keywords:- International Community Engagement Project; experiences (Kayan-Fadlelmula et al., 2022).
Undegraduate Students; Applied Chemistry; STEM;
Education; Secondary School. The mission of the Al Rhazes Jr project is to inspire and
cultivate a passion for chemistry among young individuals in
Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia. The project aims to address the
I. INTRODUCTION
declining interest in chemistry by showcasing its practical
The HEB 1012 (MPU4) Community Engagement applications and potential. Through engaging chemistry
explore race activities and STEM education classes conducted
Project is a key requirement for Universiti Teknologi
PETRONAS (UTP) students. This project provides students in a rural area, students are empowered with the skills and
knowledge needed for future opportunities in technical fields.
with an opportunity to apply their knowledge and values
The project strives to bridge the gap in applied sciences
while fulfilling university social responsibilities (USR) vision.
education, making a lasting impact on the education and
It aligns with university's mission of producing well-rounded
development of the youth, while contributing to the overall
graduates with a holistic perspective. Al Rhazes Jr, composed
of 20 undergraduate students, has devised an impactful two- growth of the nation. Lastly, this project aims to embark
communication between students with industrial players with
week community project. The primary objective is to inspire
youth and cultivate their interest in chemistry, while also hope to explore the wide career opportunities of expertise
chemists that eventually brings benefits to society.
promoting STEM education. This project was conducted in
Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia, serves as an ideal location for this
initiative.

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
II. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS learning chemistry and broaden their knowledge in the
importance of chemistry that are evolving around in daily
A. Chemistry Explore Race lives. Table 1 lists the chemistry explore race experiments.
Chemistry explore race was conducted as the main
activity of this project. In this activity, high school students The project's goal is to increase public awareness of the
were divided into groups consisting of 4 to 5 students per significance of keeping chemistry graduates employed as a
group. This explore race was conducted based on a module means of guiding Malaysia towards becoming a nation based
created by the team which consists of 6 experiments related to on research. The project emphasizes the value of chemistry in
chemistry. Each station was assigned a different theme in preparing future graduates with an inventive and creative
chemistry to assess the participants' understanding of basic researcher attitude by undertaking project-based educational
chemistry knowledge. In each station, participants need to activities such engaging learning modules, chemistry-related
conduct an experiment based on the module prepared and experiments, and workshops. The objective of the framework
understand the theory of the experiment. The participants is to improve sciences knowledge and abilities, which this
were evaluated based on their understanding through given project directly supports.
questions. In other ways, participants were given a fun way in

TABLE I. CHEMISTRY EXPLORE RACE EXPERIMENTS

Chemistry Explore Race
No
Title of Experiment Summary
Egg in different density solution, lava
1 Demonstrate the difference in density between hot and cold water
lamp
2 Exploding Volcano Learn the chemical reaction that occurs between the baking soda and vinegar
3 3D Molecular Model Identify the compound from their respective 3D molecular structure
Electroconductivity of substance based on
4 Measuring the electroconductivity of various substances
electrochemistry
5 Benedict Test Determining the presence of reducing sugar in the sample.
6 Ice Freezing Point (Ice Cream Making) Physical change of malt drink from liquid into solid.

B. STEM Class III. MEASUREABLE OF OBJECTIVES

In this activity, the participants are the primary school
students in the rural area of Pulau Gadang, Pekanbaru, The impact of the chemistry-enrichment-module towards
Indonesia. A STEM module was prepared consisting of two the participants’ awareness of the sustainability
sets of activities which are Water Rocket Launching and graduates/skills in the industrial sector and their eagerness to
Distribution of Load. These two activities were conducted in consider pursuing chemistry as career path were measured via
games form where the students were divided into 5 groups. pre-module and post-module surveys containing various
Each group was given a short lecture on each activity for their forms of quantitative questions such as likert scale, yes/no
understanding of science and a set of time to complete their question, and multiple-choice questions. The modules also
model to be tested. The main purpose of this activity is to contain qualitative questions such as questions requiring short
introduce the STEM education activity that can build the and long answers.
interest in learning sciences as students aged 13-15 need to
prepare themselves to focus in which area in their high school  Pre-module survey:
studies. It also somehow gives them the opportunity to start The pre-module survey entitled ‘High School Students
planning their careers based on their interests. Awareness of the Sustainability of Chemistry Graduates/Skills
in the Industrial Sector’ in which clear written instruction
The project highlights the importance of STEM were given to the participants and verbally repeated the
education through STEM programmed offered in rural areas. instruction before the participants fill in the survey to ensure
The project intends to pique the target participants’ interest in that the feedback received is properly aligned with the
STEM by offering practical learning opportunities and fun purpose of the survey.
activities. This is in line with the framework's goal of
developing graduates who are well-rounded and have the
skills they will need in the future (Watkins and Mazur, 2013).

TABLE II. PRE-MODULE QUESTIONNAIRES

No High School Students Awareness on the Sustainability of Chemistry Graduates/Skills in the Industrial Sector
1 What grade are you currently in high school?
2 What is your gender?
3 Have you ever taken chemistry as a subject in high school?
4 On a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest, how interested are you in the field of chemistry?
5 Are you aware of the importance of chemistry graduates/skills in the industrial sector?

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
No High School Students Awareness on the Sustainability of Chemistry Graduates/Skills in the Industrial Sector
Have you ever participated in chemistry enrichment modules or extracurricular activities related to chemistry outside
6
the regular school curriculum?
Do you believe that education about the importance of chemistry graduates/skills in the industrial sector should
7
receive more emphasis?
Opinion on whether education about the importance of chemistry graduates/skills in the industrial sector should
8
receive more emphasis.
9 How did you acquire knowledge about the importance of chemistry graduates/skills in the industrial sector?
Are you interested in participating in chemistry enrichment modules focused on practical applications of chemistry in
10
the industrial sector?
Additional comments or suggestions regarding chemistry education and its relationship with the industrial sector
11
(open-ended question)

 Post-Module Survey:
The post-module survey was titled ‘Impact of Chemistry Enrichment Modules on Vision to Pursue Studies in Chemistry and
Awareness of the Importance of Maintaining Chemistry Graduates/Competencies in the Industrial Sector’ in which clear written
instruction were given to the participants and verbally repeated the instruction before the participants fill in the survey to ensure that
the feedback received is properly aligned with the purpose of the survey. Table 3 listed the questionnaires for post-module.

TABLE III. POST-MODULE QUESTIONNAIRES

Impact of Chemistry Enrichment Modules on Vision to Pursue Studies in Chemistry and Awareness of the
No
Importance of Maintaining Chemistry Graduates / Competencies in the Industrial Sector
How did your participation in the chemistry enrichment modules (practical experiments and theory classes) influence
1
your vision and interest in pursuing studies in the field of chemistry?
Has your awareness of the importance of maintaining chemistry graduates/competencies in the industrial sector
2
increased after participating in these chemistry enrichment modules?
In your opinion, how does the chemistry enrichment module help increase awareness of the importance of
3
maintaining chemistry graduates/competencies in the industrial sector?
4 Did this chemistry enrichment module motivate you to consider a career in the industrial sector or a related field?
Would you recommend this chemistry enrichment module to other students interested in pursuing studies in
5
chemistry or careers in the industrial sector?
In your opinion, what additional activities or improvements could be integrated into the chemistry enrichment
6 module to enhance its impact on students' vision and understanding of the importance of maintaining chemistry
graduates/competencies in the industrial sector? (open-ended question)
Do you believe that coordinating chemistry enrichment modules like this is important in preparing the younger
7
generation to face challenges and opportunities in the industrial sector?
Has your perception of the role of chemistry in the industrial sector changed after participating in this chemistry
8
enrichment module?
How confident are you in pursuing a career in chemistry or a related field after participating in this chemistry
9
enrichment module?
Are you interested in participating in programs or activities related to maintaining chemistry graduates/competencies
10
in the industrial sector? (open-ended)

IV. PROJECT OUTCOMES regarding the discipline of chemistry, according to

questionnaires taken before and after the module. This
In collaboration with Universitas Islam Riau, Indonesia, accomplishment reflects the project's accomplishment in
the explore race was attended by 52 students and 4 teachers promoting understanding and encouraging young people to
from SMK Migas BMR and SMK Tekri. Both schools were pursue chemistry courses.
located around Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia. The Chemistry
explore race was conducted based on the STEM Education On the second objective, participants benefitted greatly
experiment focusing on chemistry at secondary level. This from the project in terms of developing their soft skills,
game was conducted to measure the level of understanding leadership potential, and social awareness. In this STEM
and to create awareness on the importance of chemistry in Class, the group has conducted an activity with SMPN 3 XIII
developing countries’ economy. KOTO KAMPAR, Riau Province which located at Kampung
Patin, Pulau Gadang, Riau. The school has sent 48 students
For the first objective, the main purpose is to educate the aged from 11-12 years old to participate in this activity. The
youth generation on the importance of sustaining chemistry Al Rhazes group members had the opportunity to converse
graduates/expertise in the industrial sector. The initiative with locals by moving out from their comfort zone and impart
successfully educated the young about the importance of their STEM knowledge by holding STEM education classes
chemistry in the industrial sector using chemistry enrichment in the rural regions of Pulau Gadang. The quantifiable results,
modules. There was a significant improvement of about 75% including pre- and post-program feedback, showed a marked
in the participants' interest, assurance, and knowledge improvement of 85% in the students’ knowledge of and

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
appreciation for STEM fields. This accomplishment "The STEM education classes conducted by the project
demonstrates the project's success in encouraging students' were a game-changer for our community. We had limited
personal growth and raising STEM knowledge in the exposure to STEM subjects before, but these classes opened
community at large. our eyes to the potential and opportunities in STEM. We are
now more interested in showcasing STEM education in the
V. IMPACT OF ACTIVITIES TO PARTICIPANTS academic institutions of Pulau Gadang." - Mr Trojowi, teacher
from SMPN 3 XIII Koto Kampar.
The project has made significant impacts on the
surrounding community. The project's initiatives have assisted "The project has inspired us to think beyond our
the beneficiary group, which includes residents of Pulau traditional occupations and consider careers in science and
Gadang, Indonesia and high school students of Pekanbaru. technology. The modules and classes were informative, and
The neighborhood has seen improvements in several areas: we now realize the importance of STEM in shaping the future
of our community and country." - Ananda, student of SMPN 3
A. Increased Awareness and Interest XIII Koto Kampar and resident of Pulau Gadang, Indonesia.
The community members have gained a better grasp of
the value of STEM disciplines like chemistry because of the VI. CONCLUSION
project's initiatives to educate and foster these areas of study.
Students have been inspired to think about pursuing paths in Al Rhazes project's goal of inspiring and nurturing a
science and technology regarding the fascinating STEM passion for chemistry among young people has been defined
classes, chemistry enrichment modules, and hands-on by outstanding efforts and significant accomplishments. These
activities (Van den Hurk et al., 2019). initiatives have resulted in significant successes that have had
a long-lasting effect on the community.
B. Enhanced Skills and Knowledge
Through the project's workshops, experiments, and Firstly, the project successfully organized a series of
explore race activities, the beneficiaries have acquired chemistry enrichment modules, engaging high school students
valuable skills and knowledge in chemistry and STEM. The and providing them with a clear vision of the importance of
participants have gained practical experience, improved their sustaining chemistry graduates in the industrial sector.
problem-solving abilities, and developed a deeper Through these modules, participants experienced hands-on
understanding of scientific concepts. These enhanced skills activities, workshops, and experiments that showcased the
have empowered them to explore new opportunities and excel practical applications of chemistry. The project measured the
in their academic pursuits. success of these modules through pre- and post-module
surveys, which indicated a significant increase in participants'
C. Collaboration and Community Engagement interest, confidence, and knowledge regarding the field of
By involving local stakeholders in the project, such as chemistry. This achievement demonstrates the project's
businesses, universities, and schools, the project has effectiveness in addressing the declining interest in chemistry
encouraged involvement in the community. The project's and fostering a renewed enthusiasm among the youth.
cooperative character has improved connections and
established a network of assistance inside the community. The Second, the STEM education lessons taught in Pulau
contribution of the locals of Pulau Gadang has also Gadang's rural areas have been crucial to improving students'
encouraged a sense of pride in and title of their community's abilities and knowledge in the fields of science, technology,
assets and opportunities. engineering, and mathematics. Students had wonderful
chances in these classes to apply STEM principles practically
Feedback from the targeted community has been and learn by doing. Students improved their ability to think
overwhelmingly positive. Participants have expressed critically, solve problems, and work in teams through
gratitude for the engaging and informative sessions, participatory projects and interesting exercises. Assessments
highlighting how the project has expanded their horizons and of students' academic performance and comments from both
broadened their career aspirations. They have shared their students and teachers were used to determine if the project
increased motivation to pursue studies in chemistry and was successful in reaching this goal, and both revealed
STEM-related fields, with some expressing a desire to considerable gains in students' comprehension and
contribute to the community's development through scientific performance in STEM topics.
innovation and research. Here are some notable testimonials:
"The chemistry enrichment modules were incredibly ACKNOWLEDGMENT
engaging and eye-opening. Before the modules, I had little
interest in chemistry, but after participating, my interest This international community engagement project was
skyrocketed. I am now considering pursuing chemistry as a funded by the First Grade Resources Sdn Bhd, Centre for
career." - Aditya Firnanda, SMK TEKRI. Student Development (CSD), Yayasan Universiti Teknologi
PETRONAS (YUTP), Azli Hidayah Enterprise, and students’
"The hands-on experiments and interactive activities in contribution. The authors would like to acknowledge
the modules made learning chemistry fun and accessible. I Fundamental and Applied Sciences Department and Student
realized the practical applications of chemistry in various Mobility Office, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS,
industries, and it sparked my curiosity to explore more in this Universitas Islam Riau (UIR), and Ikatan Ahli Teknik
field." - Indah Delvani, SMK MIGAS BMR. Perminyakan Indonesia (IATMI), Universitas Islam Riau,
SMK Migas Bumi Melayu Riau (BMR), SMK Teknologi
Riau (Tekri), and SMPN 3 XIII Koto Kampar, Indonesia.

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Volume 8, Issue 12, December – 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
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