SARAWAK: i-CATS University College is leading a renewable energy-based community service initiative through the ‘Solar Futures – Empowering Schools through Training and Innovation’ programme to empower Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills among secondary school students in the state.

The programme, funded by the IEEE Electronic Devices Society (IEEE EDS), provides practical exposure to participants through basic solar system installation, testing and troubleshooting training, thus enabling them to apply classroom theory in real-world situations.

The integrated STEM and SULAM outreach initiative also provides opportunities for students of the i-CATS Electrical and Electronics Engineering programme to implement service-based learning through direct engagement with the school community.

The first phase of the programme involves training sessions at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Lundu on 4 December 2025 and SMK Singai on 11 December 2025 after the i-CATS student team underwent structured preparation led by lecturers with the support of laboratory technicians on campus.

The training covered the basics of solar energy, electrical safety, component handling, safe wiring practices and methods for detecting and correcting common connection errors.

The programme was implemented by eight lecturers, two laboratory technicians and 12 i-CATS students with the participation of 28 Form 3 and Form 4 students at SMK Lundu and 30 Form 4 students at SMK Singai.

Teachers at both schools also played an active role, reflecting the school leadership’s commitment to empowering STEM education and energy sustainability.

Using a custom-built solar training kit developed by the project team with students, participants learned how to read simple schematic diagrams, identify key components, install solar circuits and conduct basic tests and measurements.

The programme entered its second phase in February 2026 with an emphasis on practical applications when the project team returned to SMK Singai on 11 February 2026 and to SMK Lundu on 12 February 2026 to strengthen students’ mastery of skills through the installation of solar lighting systems and street lights including the connection, testing and technical inspection processes.

In the follow-up session, participants were also exposed to safety procedures and basic technical checks such as polarity verification and continuity testing to ensure the solar lighting system is functioning properly.

The organisers said the approach stressed that STEM learning should not stop at the mere use of training kits but should be translated into practical capabilities, increased self-confidence and real-world problem-solving skills. -UKASnews