SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HOSTS AEROSTEAM 2025, ENGAGING 16 SCHOOLS IN SOUTH SEBERANG PERAI

NIBONG TEBAL, 19 November 2025 - The School of Aerospace Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), in collaboration with the Penang State Executive Council (EXCO) for Science and Technology, the South Seberang Perai District Education Office (PPD), and the USM RC Plane Club, organised the AEROSTEAM 2025 programme here today.

The initiative brought together students from 16 secondary schools across South Seberang Perai, involving Form One to Form Three participants, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).

According to Mohamad Zihad Mahmud, Vocational Training Officer at the School of Aerospace Engineering, AEROSTEAM 2025 is a continuation of the aerospace education efforts led by USM students under the RC Plane Club since 2023, developed to provide early exposure to students through practical and interactive learning.

“The success of the AEROSTEAM 2024 pilot programme and findings from the USM Internal Paper Wing Competition 2023 have demonstrated the effectiveness of experiential learning in boosting students’ motivation and their understanding of basic aerospace concepts,” he said.

“This programme not only enables students to grasp the fundamentals of flight, but also supports efforts to improve school attendance, encourage interest in STEM fields, and reduce the risk of dropout through activities that simulate a real university environment,” he added.

AEROSTEAM 2025 featured four main competitions comprising Distance, Flight Time, Landing Accuracy, and a new Creative category designed to provide meaningful and enjoyable hands-on learning experiences.

Zihad explained that the programme represents the second phase of a long-term initiative, with plans to expand it to the state level, aligning with efforts to strengthen the STEAM education ecosystem while introducing aerospace technology to students at an early stage.

“AEROSTEAM 2025 was made possible thanks to the support of all participating sponsors, and this commitment demonstrates the role of various parties in ensuring that more students have access to quality education,” he said.

He added that the programme is expected to serve as an important platform in preparing students for future challenges while further nurturing interest in aerospace and technology.

Text: Siti Faizah Abd Halim/Photo: Muhammad Taufik Abdul Rahman