ENGAGING SPEECH: UCSI University's Centre for Pre-U Studies director Asst Prof Mabel Tan in the midst of addressing the students and teachers of Methodist Boys' Secondary School Kuala Lumpur during the Science and Mathematics Quizprize presentation ceremo

WINNING SMILES: MBSSKL student Albert Ang (second from left) receiving a chequeworth RM1,000from UCSI University's Centre for Pre-U Studies director Asst Prof Mabel Tan (third from left) while MBSSKL teacher advisor Mr Thenna (most left), MBSSKL headmast

KUALA LUMPUR: UCSI University (UCSI) recently presented three students from Methodist Boys' Secondary School Kuala Lumpur (MBSSKL) with a cheque worth RM1,000 – the result of winning the recent Science and Mathematics Quiz organised by UCSI University’s (UCSI) Centre for Pre-U Studies. 

Held on July 20 this year, the quiz aimed to foster greater interest in Science and Technology (ST) among secondary school students, in line with government efforts to produce more ST graduates on the local front. 

Notably, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has raised concerns – in a report titled, ‘Science & Technology Human Capital Roadmap 2020’ – on the low numbers of Science students in the country. 

As such, the quiz is part of the Centre’s efforts to encourage students to develop a passion for Science and the number of participating teams – a total of 17 teams from nine schools – illustrates that much interest in the field has been generated among them. 

The quiz champions – namely, Albert Ang, Marcus Tay and Patrick Chong – found the experience ‘fun and exciting’ and were game to participate again if given the chance. 

Keen to organise a similar quiz next year, the Centre’s director Asst Prof Mabel Tan encourages the students to start making preparations for the event by studying hard for the subject. 

She goes on to congratulate the winners in her speech during the prize presentation ceremony and highlights that numerous MBSSKL students had not only enrolled in the Centre’s A-Level programme but were high achievers there. 

She adds that most of them have since successfully graduated from the Centre and are currently pursuing further education in Science-related degrees such as Engineering and Dentistry – indeed walking testimonies of the Centre’s commitment to educational excellence. 

Also present at the ceremony were MBSSKL headmaster Mr Wong Chee Kheon and teacher advisor Mr Thenna as well as over 800 MBSSKL students and teachers.