UMS camp stirs rural students' interest in AI healthcare applications

KOTA KINABALU: A recent Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) event brought science and technology education to rural students in a fun, inspiring way.
Over 120 students from 12 secondary schools in the Kudat district took part in the two-day Science and Art Camp: Future Doctor in Tech, a hackathon-style event designed to spark interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and artificial intelligence (AI), especially in healthcare.
Organised by UMS' One Health Student Club (OHSC) in collaboration with the U-Science Centre, the National Science Centre, and the Kudat district Education Office, the camp received support from Unesco and the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
'We used a hackathon concept to introduce students to AI in healthcare through hands-on activities and group mentoring.
'The goal is not just to give them knowledge, but the confidence and curiosity to explore STEM careers, especially medicine,' said OHSC adviser Dr Zulkhairul Naim Sidek Ahmad.
Hackathons are collaborative events where participants work intensely on projects over a short period.
For this camp, the students engaged in team-based projects mentored by professionals, culminating in interactive presentations.
They also learned how technology is shaping the future of healthcare.
At the closing ceremony, UMS Medicine and Health Sciences Faculty deputy dean Dr Mohammad Firdaus Bolong said the programme aimed to ensure that 'no child, no matter where they are, is left behind in the science and technology wave.'
'STEM education is not just about knowledge, but about building critical, creative and innovative thinking. We must reach out to rural communities and equip them to be part of our nation's future,' he said.
"We learned so many new things, especially how technology can help in healthcare," said camp participant Vivilleahlyn Majiman, from SMK Pinawantai.
"It's opened my eyes to a whole new world – being a doctor sounds so futuristic now."
The programme is seen as an example of how inclusive, creative learning can help bridge the education gap between urban and rural students, while igniting their dreams and potential.
Also present were Kudat deputy Education officer Amiluddin Majuki and guest speaker Dr Aimi Shazwani Ghazali from the International Islamic University Malaysia.

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