The Next Big Quest 2024: Inspiring the Youth
Sunway University recently hosted the Next Big Quest 2024, an exciting event that attracted over 600 students from more than 30 schools across Johor, Melaka, Perak, and the Klang Valley. The goal was to spark students' interest in STEAM fields—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. By encouraging more students to engage with STEAM subjects, we can nurture young minds from science and arts backgrounds to collaborate on solving complex problems. Some assume these fields are segregated, but they function even better via collaboration. As such, it is critical to pique the youth’s interest in these fields.
Additionally, STEAM education is crucial in preparing students for some of today’s most sought-after careers in areas like IT, software development, digital marketing, finance, business, medicine, and education. According to an article in the Star Online, the Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching and Learning found that learning STEAM subjects helps students develop perseverance, adaptability, and transferable skills.
So, how exactly did the Next Big Quest inspire interest in the STEAM fields? This dynamic event took participants on an adventurous tour around the campus, where they tackled trivia quizzes and engaged in STEAM-related challenges in teams. Through activities such as graphic design, movie shooting, and microbe identification, students explored sustainability, practical skills, and future career prospects, all while discovering Sunway University's cutting-edge technology.
One enthusiastic participant likened the event to 'Kidzania for teenagers,' revelling in opportunities to act as doctors, musicians, and actors. Awards were presented to standout teams in various challenges, including the Design Dynamos and Beat Virtuosos, as well as the 5 Top Team Winners who excelled in completing pitstops, answering quizzes, and finishing challenges swiftly.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. A student from Wesley Methodist Kuala Lumpur noted that the event provided a ‘new first-hand experience of how things work in the real world,’ while a participant from SMK Infant Jesus Convent Melaka praised the ‘friendly student ambassadors and professors’ and the fun, eye-opening activities. Other students were excited at the chance to use equipment they had never seen before and many even felt a connection with the fields explored.
The Next Big Quest 2024 was a vibrant celebration of learning, blending interactive challenges with real-world skills to spark students’ enthusiasm for STEAM. With over 70 academics and 200 student ambassadors contributing their energy, the event created lasting memories and inspired a sense of excitement and possibility. Sunway University’s commitment to nurturing young learners was evident, and the success of this event has paved the way for more inspiring initiatives in the future.
