Siti Nurliyana Che Mohamed Hussein
Published on 2 July 2026
SHAH ALAM, MALAYSIA (26 JUNE 2026) – Inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) requires learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom. Recognising the importance of early exposure to engineering education, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) UiTM Student Chapter, in collaboration with the Office of Research and Industrial Linkages (PJI), Faculty of Chemical Engineering (FKK), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), successfully organised STEM Venture: RIG IT UP! 2026. The programme provided secondary school students with an immersive introduction to petroleum engineering through interactive activities and laboratory-based learning.
Held at the Pilot Plant, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam, the programme welcomed 42 Form 5 students and 4 Chemistry teachers from SMK Tinggi Port Dickson. Designed to bridge classroom learning with real engineering applications, the programme exposed participants to engineering principles through a series of practical activities that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and analytical thinking.
The programme began with a STEM Discovery Session, introducing participants to engineering disciplines and future educational opportunities. This was followed by the Rig Masterclass, where students learnt the fundamentals of offshore semi-submersible drilling platforms before applying their knowledge in the Build the Rig Challenge. Working in teams, participants constructed model semi-submersible rigs from recycled materials and subsequently evaluated their designs during float and stability tests, demonstrating the engineering concepts of buoyancy, stability, and structural integrity.
Beyond the design challenges, participants experienced the university environment through guided visits to the Drilling Simulator Laboratory and the Pilot Plant. These sessions enabled students to observe engineering equipment, industrial processes, and laboratory facilities commonly used in higher education and research.
The laboratory visits provided valuable opportunities for participants to appreciate how theoretical scientific concepts are translated into practical engineering solutions. Direct interaction with laboratory facilities further enhanced students' understanding of engineering applications while strengthening their awareness of academic pathways within the field.
The successful implementation of STEM Venture: RIG IT UP! 2026 reflected the collaborative commitment of SPE UiTM Student Chapter and PJI FKK UiTM in promoting STEM education and cultivating future engineering talent.
Special appreciation is extended to the dedicated staff of the Pilot Plant, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM, for facilitating the laboratory tours and sharing valuable insights into engineering operations and industrial-scale facilities. Appreciation is also extended to the organising committee, facilitators, lecturers, volunteers, as well as the teachers and students from SMK Tinggi Port Dickson for their active participation and support throughout the programme.
STEM Venture: RIG IT UP! 2026 demonstrates UiTM's continued commitment to strengthening STEM outreach initiatives by providing meaningful experiential learning opportunities for secondary school students. By combining hands-on engineering challenges with exposure to university labs and learning environments, the programme helps nurture curiosity, build scientific literacy, and inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.
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