11 August 2025 -  Science Exploration Programme with Creativity – Borax Crystal Adventure and Fun in Nature : NatureWalk and ExploRace was held on 7 August 2025 at the Institute of Bioscience, UPM. This inaugural program was organized in collaboration with the Biodiversity Unit (UBD). A total of 60 students and 4 accompanying teachers from Sequoia International School, Cheras participated.

This 3-hour program was specially designed to spark curiosity, foster creativity, and cultivate a love for science among participants aged 9 to 15. A total of 34 staff members, including postgraduate students from UPM were involved in supporting the program. The program began with Borax Crystal Adventure activities involved a theoretical session and hands-on crystal-making activity, conducted simultaneously by Professor Dr. Lai Oi Ming and Dr. Nor Asma Ab Razak in the Tongkat Ali Seminar Room and NaturMeds Multipurpose Room, Institute of Bioscience. Participants were introduced to creative designs concepts and the use of Borax Salt to form monoclinic crystals.

Next, participants were taken to the Conservatory Garden, IBS for an activity to appreciate nature by learning about plants and their uses in health and medicine. This activity was lead by Mr. Mohd Kamarulzaman Ismail along with UBD staff. The ExploRace competition was held immediately after the NatureWalk activity.

The closing ceremony was officiated by Professor Dr Zunita Zakaria, Director of the Institute of Bioscience, at the Auditorium, Institute of Bioscience. The event continued with the presentation of prizes and participation certificates to the four winning groups, a souvenir presentation to Sequoia International School, Cheras and concluded with a group photography session.

Also present were Dr Khairil Mahmud, Program advisor, IBS management member, Dr. Nor Asma Ab Razak, Program Director, Professor Dr. Lai Oi Ming and Madam Julia Abdul Aziz, Deputy Director 1 and 2 of the Science Exploration Program: Science with Creativity – Borax Crystal Adventure and Fun in Nature: NatureWalk and ExploRace.

Date of Input: 18/08/2025 | Updated: 18/08/2025 | azah