• Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares)
  • umcares@um.edu.my
  • 03-79677357
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Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre

Astronomy has the power to inspire curiosity, expand knowledge, and bridge communities through the wonders of the universe. The role of Astronomical Communities and Clubs is crucial in bringing this fascinating field to the public through outreach programs, educational initiatives, and hands-on experiences. However, despite their passion and enthusiasm, many of these communities face challenges in effectively conducting structured and impactful educational activities due to a lack of formal expertise, structured training, and hands-on experience in both theoretical and practical aspects of astronomy.

To address this gap, this project aims to empower the Astronomical Community by providing comprehensive theoretical and practical training that enhances their capacity to educate and engage local communities effectively. Through this initiative, members will gain essential technical skills, observational expertise, and a deeper understanding of astronomical principles—allowing them to utilize their existing equipment, modules, and activity plans more efficiently and accurately.

While many communities already possess telescopes, observational tools, and structured modules, the lack of knowledge in handling, maintaining, and applying these tools has resulted in limited engagement with the public. Without proper training, their efforts in astronomy education and outreach remain underutilized, preventing them from fully realizing their potential in inspiring future generations of students, educators, and astronomy enthusiasts.

This project seeks to bridge this gap by introducing:

  • Structured Training Programs – Covering both theoretical and hands-on practical aspects of astronomy, including celestial navigation, telescope operation, astrophotography, and night-sky observation techniques.
  • Equipment Handling & Maintenance Workshops – Ensuring that communities can effectively use and preserve their astronomical tools for long-term outreach activities.
  • Educational Module Development – Assisting communities in designing engaging, structured, and interactive activities that align with educational standards and local curriculum requirements.
  • Community Engagement Strategies – Empowering members with the skills to conduct engaging astronomy sessions for students, educators, and the public.
  • Collaboration with Schools & Universities – Establishing strong networks between astronomical clubs and academic institutions to integrate astronomy into educational frameworks.

By equipping Astronomical Communities with the necessary skills and knowledge, this project will not only elevate their role in public science education but also inspire a new generation of students to explore careers in astronomy, space science, and STEM-related fields. It is a step toward building a scientifically literate society, fostering curiosity about the universe, and strengthening Malaysia’s position in global astronomy education and research.

With the right training, guidance, and support, these communities can transform into active hubs of astronomical learning, capable of sparking excitement, inspiring young minds, and bringing the wonders of the cosmos closer to the people.

Project information

Project Execution: 18 Months

Location: SMKA Shiekh Hj Mohd Said

Target Community: Schools students and teachers

Number of Community benifited: 35 communities

Outcome of the Project

  1. Enhanced Knowledge & Technical Skills

  2. Improved Equipment Handling & Maintenance

  3. Structured & Engaging Educational Modules

  4. Increased Capacity for Public Engagement

  5. Strengthened Collaboration with Schools & Universities

Impact of the Project​​​​​​

  1. Greater Public Awareness of Astronomy

  2. STEM Education Enhancement​​​​​​

  3. ​​​​Encouragement of Scientific Thinking

  4. More Schools and Universities Engaging in Astronomy

  5. Better Learning Experience for Students

  6. Sustainable Astronomy Outreach Programs

  7. Creation of Future Astronomers & Scientists

Last Update: 06/02/2025