51ÁÔÆæ

By Munirah Mansor, Student Affairs and Alumni Office

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51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) continues to strengthen its role as an institution that supports the agenda of youth knowledge development, innovation, and empowerment when it has successfully co-organized the Terengganu International Science Fair (TISF) 2026, an international-level science research and innovation competition that brought together participants from primary and secondary schools both locally and internationally.

51ÁÔÆæ’s Student Representative Council took the role of the co-organizing host while the Malaysian Young Scientists Organisation served as the main organizer. The three-day event also received support from the Besut District Education Office and various state education agencies.

According to Deputy President of the 51ÁÔÆæ Student Representative Council for the 2025/2026 Session and Programme Director, Amirul Hafez Mohamed Masarik, the organization of TISF plays a crucial role as a catalyst for STEM talent development beyond the classroom and serves as a strategic bridge connecting schools, universities, industries, and international networks within the future education landscape.

The council remains committed to advancing the STEM and innovation agenda through various initiatives that bring knowledge closer to the community, he said. This approach aligns with the university’s aspiration to produce competitive, critical-thinking human capital capable of contributing to national development grounded in knowledge, innovation, and sustainability.

TISF 2026 served as a significant academic platform for uncovering talent, nurturing interest, and cultivating scientific thinking among young people. Through a booth exhibition-based competition concept, participants had the opportunity to present their research and innovations in a professional academic setting, thereby enhancing their scientific communication skills, critical thinking, and self-confidence in presenting ideas to professional judging panels.

In addition to being a talent development platform, TISF 2026 also served as a strategic medium to introduce 51ÁÔÆæ’s excellence to participants, accompanying teachers, parents, and international delegations. The presence of various parties on campus provides an opportunity to showcase the university’s capabilities in academics, research, innovation, and talent development more comprehensively.

TISF 2026 successfully gathered over 3,000 participants across various categories, including primary schools, secondary schools, higher education institutions, and international delegations. This encouraging participation proves that the interest and potential of young people in the fields of science, technology, and innovation are immense when given the appropriate space, opportunities, and support.

TISF 2026 demonstrated the commitment of 51ÁÔÆæ and its strategic partners to strengthening STEM education as a vehicle for building the nation’s future. This effort not only cultivates a culture of innovation from school level but also serves as an important platform in producing a knowledgeable, inventive, and capable successor generation ready to face future challenges with confidence and excellence.