Xporia Science: NSC aims to ignite scientific curiosity

The National Science Centre (NSC) is set to welcome 40,000 visitors to the 2023 Xporia Science, an annual highlight taking place in Kuala Lumpur and Alor Setar, Kedah, from today until Monday (Dec 18).

The event promises a dynamic experience with over 40 science-themed activities, providing families with an engaging hands-on exploration of the world of science during the school holidays.

Enhancing scientific literacy

NSC director Mohammad Fuad Rahman expressed the significance of the ‘PSN SciFest’ as an appreciation for community involvement, aiming to enhance scientific literacy.

Speaking at the programme’s opening ceremony, officiated by Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim, secretary-general of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Rahman highlighted the festival-themed programme’s role in fostering scientific curiosity.

Meanwhile, Aminuddin expressed hope that 2023 Xporia Science will provide a more meaningful and enjoyable learning experience and inspire the community to take an interest in and further venture into the field of science, technology and innovation (STI).

“We hope this Xporia will spark new interest and unearth more talent and creativity in STI (science, technology, innovation) because the visitors can play and have fun dabbling with science,” he said.

Xporia Science’s extensive programming

Highlighted activities for the Xporia Science include ‘Stories Behind the Apparatus,’ ‘Robot Garage,’ ‘Extreme Momentum,’ ‘Science Solutions,’ ‘Sains Situ Sina Sini (Science Here, There, Everywhere),’ ‘Technofutura Zone,’ ‘Young Scientist,’ and a special appearance by the ‘Mechamato’ mascot.

Aminuddin expressed hope that the event would provide a meaningful and enjoyable learning experience, encouraging the community to explore and venture further into the field of science, technology, and innovation (STI).

A total of 1.2 million people have visited both centres in Kuala Lumpur and the northern region as of Nov 31.

The increase in number was in line with the Ministry of Education (MOE) initiative and announcement, which encourages schools to organise field trips to strengthen the teaching and learning (P&P) process.

“The large crowds are a positive indicator that reflects the success of the implementation and relevance of STI initiatives implemented by NSC,” he said.

Nurul Afida Kamaluddin, editor-in-chief of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama), pledged ongoing support as a strategic partner, recognising the collaboration’s impact on advancing society in the field of STI.

“We will continue to provide space and opportunities for NSC in its programmes and activities which can benefit the community as a whole,” she affirmed. The 2023 Xporia Science serves as a testament to NSC’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and education.