Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) has entered into a strategic partnership with MR D.I.Y. Foundation through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), supported by a RM113,995 sponsorship to further strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education under the Perak Metamorphosis of Young STEMers (PMOYST) programme.
UPSI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) Prof Dr Suriani Abu Bakar said the collaboration reflected the growing importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and the corporate sector in driving meaningful educational development.
She said preparing future generations to thrive in the era of digital technology and artificial intelligence required sustained commitment and collective efforts from all stakeholders.
“The sponsorship is more than financial assistance. It demonstrates confidence in UPSI, particularly the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, to deliver impactful STEM programmes that can benefit students and the wider community,” she said at the MoA signing ceremony held at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Sultan Azlan Shah Campus, recently.
Suriani said the partnership would combine UPSI’s academic expertise with MR D.I.Y. Foundation’s social commitment, enabling more students to discover their potential in STEM while equipping them with the confidence and skills needed to face future challenges.
She said PMOYST, introduced by the Faculty of Science and Mathematics in 2011, was initially designed to cultivate students’ interest in STEM through creative, engaging and hands-on learning approaches.
Over the years, the programme has expanded beyond Perak to become a nationwide STEM education platform, benefiting primary and secondary school students, vocational college learners as well as students in higher education institutions across Malaysia.
Suriani reaffirmed UPSI’s commitment to producing future educators, researchers, innovators and leaders who excel academically while upholding strong values, integrity and character.
She added that investing in human capital remained the most valuable investment, stressing that collaborations between universities and industry would not only create educational programmes but also help shape a knowledgeable, skilled and principled generation capable of contributing to the nation’s future.
Also present at the ceremony were MR D.I.Y. Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Zaleha Mohd Mydin, UPSI Faculty of Science and Mathematics Dean Prof Dr Mohd Faizal Nizam Lee Abdullah, and UPSI Corporate Communications Division Director Prof Dr Mohd Izwan Shahril.
-EDUCATION TVET ASIA