More than 120 students from SMK (P) Air Panas gained first-hand exposure to university life, engineering education and future career opportunities during the APGS SPM Boost Camp 2026 at Universiti Kuala Lumpur British Malaysian Institute (UniKL BMI).
Hosted by UniKL BMI in collaboration with the UniKL’s Centre for Women’s Advancement and Leadership (CWAL) on 27 June, the programme aimed to inspire young women to pursue higher education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The initiative formed part of UniKL’s commitment to educational outreach, youth empowerment and widening access to industry-relevant technical and vocational education and training.
The programme was officiated by UniKL BMI Dean Ts. Dr. Zulkifli Mahmoodin, who encouraged the students to set ambitious goals, embrace lifelong learning and explore the opportunities offered by higher education.
In his address, he highlighted determination, resilience and continuous learning as important qualities for young women seeking to become future professionals and leaders in a rapidly changing, technology-driven world.
A key component of the programme was a guided campus tour that introduced the students to UniKL BMI’s teaching facilities, engineering laboratories and applied learning environment.
The participants explored how engineering and technology are used to address real-world challenges while interacting with lecturers, staff members and UniKL student ambassadors.
The immersive campus experience provided the students with a clearer understanding of university education and the academic pathways available after completing the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination.
It also allowed them to discover potential career opportunities in engineering, digital technology and other professional fields that support Malaysia’s future workforce and innovation ecosystem.
Through early exposure to university facilities and applied STEM learning, UniKL BMI sought to strengthen the students’ confidence and encourage them to consider disciplines in which women remain underrepresented.
The programme reflected CWAL’s continued efforts to advance women’s empowerment, leadership development and gender inclusion through education.
By engaging female students at the secondary school level, CWAL aims to nurture ambition, self-confidence and leadership potential while promoting greater participation by women in engineering, technology and other traditionally male-dominated sectors.
The initiative also supports broader sustainable development priorities, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals related to Quality Education, Gender Equality, Reduced Inequalities and Partnerships for the Goals.
Yayasan UniKL supported the programme by sponsoring refreshments for the participants as part of its commitment to community engagement, inclusive education and youth development.
