KUCHING: i-CATS University College is launching a community-based solar outreach initiative to equip secondary school students in Sarawak with hands-on technical skills in renewable energy.
The programme, titled ‘Solar Futures – Empowering Schools through Training and Innovation’, is funded by the IEEE Electron Devices Society (IEEE EDS), aiming to expose students to solar systeminstallation, testing and basic troubleshooting beyond classroom theory.
Implemented as part of an integrated STEM and Service-Learning Malaysia, the University for Society
(SULAM) outreach effort also provides i-CATS students with service-learning opportunities through direct engagement with schools and communities.
The first phase of the programme, focused on technical training, was conducted at SMK Lundu on Dec 4, 2025 and SMK Singai on Dec 11, 2025.
Prior to the school sessions, i-CATS students underwent structured preparation led by lecturers and
supported by laboratory technicians.
The training covered solar energy fundamentals, electrical safety, component handling, wiring practices and troubleshooting common connection errors, and included facilitation skills to ensure effective workshop delivery.
The outreach was carried out by a team comprising eight lecturers, two laboratory technicians and 12 Electrical and Electronics Engineering students.
A total of 28 Form Three and Form Four students participated at SMK Lundu while 30 Form Four students joined the session at SMK Singai.
Using custom-built solar training kits developed by the project team and engineering students, participants learned to interpret schematic diagrams, identify solar components, assemble circuits, perform wiring and carry out testing and measurement.
Schools and teachers responded positively, describing the programme as a valuable STEM initiative that complements classroom learning and offers practical exposure rarely available in a conventional school setting.
The programme entered its second phase in February this year, focusing on real-world applications.
Follow-up sessions were held at SMK Singai on Feb 11 and SMK Lundu on Feb 12, where students worked with actual solar lighting and street lighting systems.
Participants were guided through system connection, testing and inspection while also learning safety procedures and performing technical checks such as polarity and continuity verification to ensure proper operations.
Project organisers said the initiative aims to move beyond theoretical exposure and develop students’ practical capability, confidence and problem-solving skills in renewable energy technologies.
