HULU DUNGUN, TERENGGANU — A journey spanning over 100 kilometers from Kuala Terengganu did not deter the Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre (PSKT) from bringing science and technology education to rural communities, reaffirming its commitment to equitable access and inclusive outreach.
The two-day event, branded as the Science Journey Carnival STI MADANI, was held at Dewan Balora, Bandar Al Muktafi Billah Shah, and welcomed an impressive turnout of 5,700 visitors. The initiative marked a new benchmark for PSKT’s rural engagement efforts, demonstrating strong community interest and participation.
“We didn’t set any specific attendance targets, but the enthusiasm over the past two days has been overwhelming,” said PSKT Chief Executive Officer Mohd Huzairil Nizam Ibrahim. “What’s especially heartening is seeing not just schoolchildren, but also parents and guardians actively engaging in the activities. It’s a valuable opportunity for families to spend meaningful time together while exploring science.”
Among the attendees was Mustafa Mohd Rafi, a mathematics teacher from Sekolah Kebangsaan Ayer Puteh in Kemaman, who brought 38 students via chartered bus. “This program is incredibly meaningful for us. We’ve long hoped to visit PSKT in Kuala Terengganu, but distance and budget constraints made it difficult. When we heard PSKT was coming to our region, we seized the opportunity to ensure our students could enjoy the same exposure as their urban peers,” he shared.
The carnival also received praise from Muhammad Adhwa Hazziq Arsad, Assistant Manager of Community and Social Development at KETENGAH, who described the initiative as a vital platform for introducing rural youth to science. “This is a foundational step toward cultivating a culture of digitalization and artificial intelligence. Continued efforts like this will help prepare our rural youth to embrace science in everyday life,” he said.
Local resident Nur Zulaikha Zulkifli, 31, a mother of five, expressed her surprise and delight at the scale of the event. “I initially thought it was just a simple program with some games for the kids. But once we arrived, I saw how hands-on and interactive the exhibitions were. As a parent, I want the best educational opportunities for my children, but financial and geographic limitations often stand in the way. The fact that this carnival was free of charge means a lot to families like ours.”
The carnival was made possible through the STI MADANI grant, with strategic support from PETRONAS via PETROSAINS and regional development agency KETENGAH. Together, they aimed to close the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education gap between urban and rural communities.
Beyond the main STEM exhibitions inside the hall, the carnival featured a vibrant array of outdoor activities including traditional games, magic shows, sky observation sessions, agency showcases, and more—attracting visitors from diverse backgrounds and age groups.