20 August 2025 – The Chem-E-Car program, organized by the Separation and Environmental Research Cluster (SERC), Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology (FTKKP), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), was successfully held at SMK Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, Bandar Damansara, Kuantan. The initiative sparked enthusiasm among Form 4 students by introducing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) through engaging and interactive activities.

The event was officiated by Principal Tuan Haji Junaidi bin Osman, accompanied by members of the school’s leadership team: Pn. Hajjah Tuan Sharifah Rasidah binti Syed Abdullah (Senior Assistant of Administration), En. Mohamad Hafez bin Ariffin (Head of the Science and Mathematics Department), and teachers Pn. Norzaitul Akmar binti Harun and Pn. Rosmahazrina binti Ambak. Strong support came from five FTKKP postgraduate students who served as facilitators, alongside SERC members, under the leadership of Program Chairperson AP Ts Dr. Siti Kholijah binti Abdul Mudalip.

Students were first introduced to the fundamentals of chemical engineering by AP Ts Dr. Mazrul Nizam Abu Seman, followed by an explanation of Chem-E-Car operating principles by AP Ir Dr. Syed Mohd Saufi bin Tuan Chik. Prof. Ts Dr. Jolius Gimbun then led the exciting Chem-E-Car demonstrations, showcasing miniature cars powered entirely by chemical reactions. These activities challenged students to apply creativity and scientific knowledge while providing hands-on problem-solving experiences.

The highlight of the day was the Chem-E-Car test run, where student teams raced their cars using controlled chemical reactions. The winners received hampers and certificates of appreciation, while all participants were presented with souvenirs as memorable keepsakes.

In his speech, Principal Tuan Haji Junaidi expressed heartfelt gratitude to UMPSA for bringing STEM closer to students. “This program is highly beneficial as it provides early exposure to future opportunities in science and engineering,” he said.

The organizers highlighted that this CSR initiative reflects UMPSA’s mission to empower communities through STEM education while cultivating students’ interest in technology and chemical engineering careers.