KUALA LUMPUR, 16 January 2025 - Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Wangsa Melawati once again achieved success with the organization of the Lestari Wangsa Program (Post-UASA), in collaboration with the Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), involving 150 students from Form 2 to Form 4. This program was held to enhance students' skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and to cultivate awareness of environmental sustainability.

This program aims to, ncrease students' creativity and innovation in STEM and sustainability, promote awareness of the importance of recycling and environmental conservation, develop higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) through hands-on activities, and foster teamwork and communication skills among students.

Various exciting activities were conducted throughout the program, including:

Paper Bridge Construction: Students were challenged to build a bridge using basic materials such as A4 paper and adhesive tape. This activity aimed to test the students' creativity and the structural strength of the bridges they produced. The challenge required students to design a bridge that could span a certain distance and withstand a specific load without collapsing. They had to consider engineering principles such as load distribution, tension, and compression while constructing their bridges. The evaluation criteria included aesthetics, strength, and efficient use of materials. During the testing phase, the bridges were subjected to incremental weight to assess their durability and stability. This hands-on experience provided students with valuable insights into engineering concepts and problem-solving skills, encouraging them to think critically and work collaboratively to achieve their goals.

Kokedama Plant Creation & Design from Recycled Materials: Activity on kokedama plant creation allowed students to explore a traditional Japanese technique while implementing environmental principles. By upcycling waste materials such as plastic bottles and cardboard boxes as plant bases, students demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity. The integration of recycling awareness and hands-on sustainability practices promoted an appreciation for natural materials and encouraged a mindset of environmentally responsible actions. This initiative not only enhanced creativity but also highlighted the importance of resource conservation.

Recycled Paper Making: Students were taught the process of recycling used paper into new paper that can be reused. This activity provided them with exposure to the importance of reducing waste and preserving the environment.

The Principal of SMK Wangsa Melawati, in his closing speech, stated that programs like this are crucial in educating the younger generation about the importance of innovation and sustainability. The Lestari Wangsa Program concluded with a prize-giving ceremony for the groups that performed best in each activity. With the success of this program, it is hoped that more beneficial programs can be implemented in the future to nurture more creative and innovative students.

Date of Input: 10/02/2025 | Updated: 10/02/2025 | amallina.osman