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

Awarded for Educational Outreach and Sustainable Practices

Target: 5 Schools Across Malaysia

Beneficiaries: Over 150 Students & Teachers

Projek EZRA: Modul Tambahan STEM melalui Pengaturcaraan, Robotik, dan Penerokaan Alam represents a successful, six-month initiative conducted at five secondary schools across Malaysia. The core objective was to enhance the STEM education experience by introducing students to hands-on applications in technology and environmental science.

Key Skills Acquired: Students received valuable training in operating 3D printers and programming the Arduino microprocessor. This practical, hands-on learning approach provided them with tangible knowledge in critical technological fields often excluded from standard curriculum.

Innovative Highlight - Aquaponics: The project's highlight was the fabrication of a mini aquaponics system. Students applied their new programming skills to design and integrate temperature and humidity sensors. This live monitoring system displayed real-time data on an LCD screen, effectively bridging computer science with biology and environmental science, fostering a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

Overall, Projek EZRA successfully served as a comprehensive addition to the schools' curriculum. It not only equipped students with practical skills in programming and technology but also fostered an appreciation for environmental exploration and sustainable practices.

Project Highlights

Project Summary

Project Execution Period: 6 Months

Target Audience: Secondary School Students & Teachers

Participating Schools:

  1. Sekolah Tun Fatimah, Johor Bahru
  2. SMK Jalan Empat, Bangi
  3. SBP Integrasi Gombak, Selangor
  4. SMK Putrajaya Presint 8(1), Putrajaya
  5. St. John Institution, Kuala Lumpur

Sustainable Community Involvement

  • Resource Provision: Each of the five schools received three mini aquaponics systems (total 15) for long-term use.
  • Ownership: Students are directly responsible for caring for the fish and plants in the systems, embedding practical biology and maintenance skills.
  • Scalability: The framework is designed to be scaled up for growing edible fish like tilapia and salad greens, promoting future food security projects.
  • Awareness: The project encourages deep learning about urbanization, food security, and environmental sustainability principles.
  • Legacy: Projek EZRA's methodology aims to cultivate a generation of future leaders committed to developing a sustainable world.

Measureable Impact and Outreach

Educational & Equipment Legacy:

The project's enduring contribution is the 15 fully functional aquaponics systems left with the schools, serving as permanent, hands-on laboratories.

Mass Media Coverage & Public Outreach:

The project garnered significant public attention, featuring in three major Bahasa Melayu publications: Kosmo!, Utusan Malaysia, and Sinar Harian.

This extensive coverage resulted in a cumulative readership of almost 2 million readers, effectively amplifying the message of STEM and sustainability to a national audience.

Aligned Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 4 Quality Education

Quality Education

Enhances secondary education by providing hands-on, practical skills in programming, robotics, and future-forward technologies like 3D printing and Arduino.

SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Affordable & Clean Energy

The use of efficient, low-power Arduino microprocessors and sensors in the aquaponics system teaches students about energy optimization in sustainable technology.

SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities

Sustainable Cities

Students learn about urban food security and sustainable food production methods (aquaponics) relevant to congested or resource-limited urban environments.

SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production

Responsible Consumption

By designing and monitoring closed-loop aquaponics systems, students grasp the concepts of resource efficiency, waste reduction, and responsible food production.

SDG 13 Climate Action

Climate Action

The focus on environmental exploration and sustainable farming techniques prepares students to become more aware and proactive in mitigating climate change impacts.

SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

Partnerships for the Goals

The project is a direct collaboration between Universiti Malaya and five secondary schools, exemplifying effective partnerships for achieving educational and sustainability targets.

Last Update: 26/01/2026