KUALA TERENGGANU – Travelling more than 400km from Sungai Petani to Kuala Terengganu did not deter 37 pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan Khir Johari from seeking a different kind of learning experience at Pusat Sains dan Kreativiti Terengganu (PSKT).
The pupils, accompanied by seven teachers, made the trip as part of a three-day, two-night educational programme organised by the school, with PSKT among the destinations on their itinerary.
The visit was also part of their preparations for the Walnut EduTech Championship (WEC) 2026, scheduled to take place in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, on Sept 26.
At PSKT, the pupils were given the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through practical activities, allowing them to experience concepts beyond what they normally encounter in the classroom.
Teacher Sheikh Mohd Faisol Sheikh Fauzi said the hands-on approach provided the pupils with a better understanding of STEM-related subjects as they prepared for the competition.
“For school pupils, it is easier to understand when they can see and experience things themselves rather than simply learning from theory.
“The activities here give them a better understanding of the concepts and this is useful as they prepare for the national STEM competition,” said Sheikh Mohd Faisol, who teaches Chinese language.
He said PSKT was also a suitable destination for school groups, particularly with its facilities and parking space for visitors travelling by chartered bus.
PSKT chief executive officer Mohd Huzairil Nizam Ibrahim said the school’s decision to travel from Sungai Petani reflected its commitment to exposing pupils to learning opportunities beyond their own locality.
“What caught our attention was that they came during the school term and were willing to travel more than 400km from Sungai Petani.
“We should not look at this as something that benefits PSKT alone. The important thing is that the pupils are gaining an experience here which they can take back with them as they prepare for the competition,” he said.
The group is expected to return to Sungai Petani after completing its programme in Kuala Terengganu before turning its attention to the final preparations for WEC 2026 in Petaling Jaya.