Inspiring the Next Generation of STEM: Next Big Quest 2026

 

Held across two consecutive Saturdays on July 18th and July 25th, 2026, Sunway University’s Next Big Quest transformed academic discovery into an immersive, campus-wide treasure hunt for high school students aged 15–18 (Form 3 to 5 / Years 9–11).

A Gamified, Multidisciplinary Frontier

Unlike traditional science fairs or passive open days, the Next Big Quest reimagines higher education as an active adventure. Operating in teams of 4–5, participants race through a high-energy circuit spanning Sunway University's state of-the-art campus in Sunway City. The event’s signature strength lies in breaking down academic silos, showing young minds that modern STEM does not exist in a vacuum, but rather intersects dynamically with healthcare, digital technology, creative arts, business analytics, and human psychology.

Interactive Faculty Pitstops

At each pitstop, teams faced dynamic, hands-on challenges tailored by Sunway's diverse faculties. From high-tech simulations to laboratory experiments, these engaging activities allowed students to directly experience real-world applications across 19 dedicated stations.

Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences/ Fashion Design and Technology School(FASS / FDFT)

  • Architecture
    Architectural dream structure building and spatial planning challenge.

  • Creative Design
    Interactive design thinking problem-solving sprint.

  • Theatre & Performing Arts
    Scene-in-action theatre exercises and dynamic performance techniques.

  • Music & Audio Studio
    Rhythm creation and interactive sound composition studio.

  • Fashion Technology
    Exploring cutting-edge AI software tools used in modern garment and fashion design.

School of Global Futures & Sustainable Innovation

  • Interdisciplinary Learning & Econopoly Board Game
    Interdisciplinary learning through engaging, game-based activities that integrate diverse discipines, including Communication, Business, Mathematics, Psychology, Science, and Liberal Arts

Sunway Business School, iLabs & School of Education

  • Business & Trading Lab
    "Business Detective" financial market trading lab passport quest.

  • Sunway iLabs
    3D-pen model prototype creation and rapid innovation sprint.

  • Early Childhood Education
    Shadow puppet theatre storytelling and pedagogical design.

Faculty of Medical & Life Sciences (FMLS)

  • Psychology
    Submarine survival scenarios applying OCEAN Big 5 personality trait assessments.

  • Pharmacy
    Interactive 3D molecular drug design simulation.

School of Medical Sciences & Nursing

  • Nursing
    Practical digital blood pressure monitoring techniques and clinical healthcare quizzes.

Jeffrey Cheah Sunway Medical School

  • Biomedicine Lab
    Zebrafish developmental sequencing and stress testing (highlighting 70% genetic overlap with humans).

  • Anatomy Lab
    Guided exploration inside Sunway’s state-of-the-art Level 10 Anatomy Lab.

Faculty of Engineering & Technology (FET)

  • Civil Engineering
    Structural integrity and "Connect the Dots" load-bearing connection challenge.

  • Computer Science
    "Into the Cyber-Verse" 3D computing quest exploring data analytics and emerging technology.

School of Mathematical Sciences (SMS)

  • Applied Mathematics
    Practical color theory, logic puzzles, and pattern-recognition activities.

School of Hospitality & Tourism Management (SHTM)

  • Culinary Arts
    Sensory science and "Guess the Flavour" aroma perception experiment.

  • Events Management
    Global festival and business event destination mapping challenge on interactive world maps.

Demystifying Science and Inspiring Future Innovators

Next Big Quest's lasting impact is its ability to bridge secondary school theory with tangible, tertiary-level application. By placing real biomedical models, professional software, and laboratory tools directly into the hands of 15- to 18-year-olds, the event demystifies higher education and nurtures analytical confidence. The team-based format encourages peer collaboration, problem-solving under pressure, and genuine scientific curiosity—giving participants a clear, exciting vision of their potential pathways in STEM and beyond.

Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders and Problem-Solvers

As Sunway University continues to champion experiential learning, events like Next Big Quest stand as a testament to the power of early exposure and youth empowerment. By igniting a passion for discovery and cultivating cross-disciplinary critical thinking, Sunway remains dedicated to shaping the next generation of researchers, innovators, and leaders equipped to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow.

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