SK Seri Sedohok receives PV solar technology and solar-powered hydroponic systems to further nurture interest in STEM subjects among students

KAHANG, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Yayasan PETRONAS, in its effort to increase the awareness and interest in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among the students at SK Seri Sedohok Orang Asli, has supported the setting up of portable photovoltaic (PV) solar technology and hydroponic systems using solar PV technology at the school. The Rays of Hope initiative was implemented together with the students, teachers and staff of SK Seri Sedohok, the Pejabat Pendidikan Daerah Kluang and Yayasan Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia as part of the Sentuhan Harapan Memampankan Ekonomi Asas Rakyat (MEKAR) Programme. It aims to provide exposure to the teachers and students about the actual application of off-grid solar PV technology through hydroponic system. It is also one of the ways to increase awareness and further nurture interest in STEM among the students. 
 
Established in 1962, SK Seri Sedohok is a Year 1 to 6 primary and boarding school for students from seven nearby Orang Asli villages, including Kampung Orang Asli Sedohok and Kampung Orang Asli Berasau. Located 40km from Kluang town and on the outskirts of Endau-Rompin National Park, the school provides hostels for students who live further inland. 
 
Under this solar initiative, SK Seri Sedohok received five units of PV solar technology that will be used during learning demonstrations for the Rekabentuk dan Teknologi (RBTK) subject. The learning demonstration will provide students the opportunity to learn the main components of the solar PV system, the function of the components and understand the wiring and connection of the system. 
 
The school also received two sets of hydroponic systems using solar PV technology to demonstrate the actual application of the technology. With this, the students will be exposed to vegetable cultivation through hydroponic techniques, care and harvesting with guidance from the teachers. The students will also be allowed to bring home the harvested vegetables. A total of 81 students aged seven to 12 from nearby Orang Asli villages are expected to benefit from this initiative. 
 
In addition, the teachers and school staff were taught and trained to perform basic maintenance on the solar panels in the hydroponic systems, to ensure the systems’ efficiency and sustainability.  

“We truly appreciate the cooperation from all parties involved in ensuring the success of this initiative. We hope to continue to expand the MEKAR programme to help improve the living standards and quality of life for the Orang Asli community. With the implementation of this solar initiative at the school, we hope it will raise awareneess and further nurture the interest of the students in STEM subjects," said Shariah Nelly Francis, Chief Executive Officer of Yayasan PETRONAS. 
 
Sazli Zakaria, Head of PETRONAS Southern also said, “Hopefully, this programme will succeed in cultivating the interest of students, especially those from the Orang Asli community, to delve into the field of STEM, and further inspire them to be ambitious. On this occasion, I would also like to express my appreciation to all parties involved, especially the teachers and school staff who have made this programme a success." 
 
The Rays of Hope initiative is a PETRONAS signature solar programme, aligned to its Sustainability Agenda and commitment towards achieving its Net Zero Carbon Emissions aspiration by 2050.
 
The MEKAR programme under Yayasan PETRONAS’ community well-being and development focus area, supports its goals of promoting the community well-being and development through long term sustainable advancements in the areas of socio-economic developments, healthcare, safety and living environments among the communities in Malaysia. This is in line with PETRONAS’ Sustainability Agenda and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

About Yayasan PETRONAS 
Yayasan PETRONAS is the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of PETRONAS. Its mission is to enrich lives for a sustainable future. Yayasan PETRONAS aims to deliver sustainable impact, improving the quality of life and socio-economic outcomes for communities across the nation through its focus areas in Education, Community Well-being and Development and the Environment. 

Issued by: 
Yayasan PETRONAS 

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Photo 1 : Sazli Zakaria, Head of PETRONAS Southern (centre right) handing the portable photovoltaic (PV) solar technology to Haji Sanib Hashim, Head teacher of SK Seri Sedohok (centre left) with Tg Noraida Tg Mahmood, Head of Operations, Yayasan PETRONAS (left) and Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Mohd Noor Abdullah, representative from Yayasan Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (right) in Kluang, Johor.

Photo 2 : Students of SK Seri Sedohok learning about the solar units.

Photo 3 : Tg Noraida Tg Mahmood, Head of Operations, Yayasan PETRONAS (left), Sazli Zakaria, Head of PETRONAS Southern (right), and representative from PETRONAS Southern (centre) observing the solar-powered hydroponic system at Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Sedohok, Kluang, Johor.

Photo 4 : Prof. Madya Ts. Dr. Mohd Noor Abdullah, representative from Yayasan Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (left), Sazli Zakaria, Head of PETRONAS Southern (centre left), Haji Sanib Hashim, Head teacher of SK Seri Sedohok's (centre right) and Tg Noraida Tg Mahmood, Head of Operations, Yayasan PETRONAS (right) with students of SK Seri Sedohok.

Click here for photos.
 
Source: Yayasan PETRONAS  

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Yayasan PETRONAS 
Name: Carol Wong
Tel: +6012 296 9281 
Email: wong.yuetmeng@petronas.com  
 
PETRONAS 
Name: Nor Khalidah Hassan
Tel: +6013 772 4287
Email:  norkhalidah.hassan@petronas.com

--BERNAMA