Latest news with #InclusiveAstronomyTransitProgramme
Barnama
4 days ago
- Science
- Barnama
Malaysia Introduces Astronomy Module For Students With Visual Disabilities
KUALA LUMPUR, July 7 (Bernama) -- Students with visual impairments in this country are now able to 'explore' space after the launch of the Special Astronomy Module for them. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang said the module, a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, is an important initiative towards making science and technology education more inclusive, especially in the field of astronomy. "This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments, thus making astronomy education more accessible and not limited to those with perfect vision," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here today. Also present were the secretary-general of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, director of National Planetarium Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and chairman of Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain. Chang said a total of 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. He said the module used tactile models as the surface of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects that allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive. "With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said. Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia MADANI which emphasises fair access to education for all. He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
First astronomy module launched for visually impaired students
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia now has its first Astronomy Module for Students with Visual Impairments, marking a milestone in inclusive education. The module was launched yesterday by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister (Mosti) Chang Lih Kang at the National Planetarium. Specifically tailored for students under the Special Education Needs programme, it was developed through a partnership between the government, corporate stakeholders and academic institutions. It forms part of the Space Insight #PlanetariumGoldenHeart initiative, which aims to increase the involvement of persons with disabilities in space science under the broader science, technology and innovation framework. 'I personally see this as a very commendable initiative. We hope to see more efforts like this to support children with physical disabilities, who may not enjoy the same opportunities as others in their pursuit of knowledge, especially in astronomy,' Chang said. He noted that the module would have a meaningful impact on the education system by ensuring no student is left behind, regardless of physical limitations. 'With this module, students who are blind or visually impaired now have the chance to explore astronomy. I believe it will make a real difference. We also hope to see similar initiatives extended to students with other disabilities, such as hearing impairments.' Chang stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to learning across all fields, not just astronomy. 'This is in line with Mosti's mission to widen support for children with disabilities,' he added. The initiative also reflects the Madani government's commitment to equitable education for all, including children with special needs, starting from early childhood. The module, which incorporates adaptive teaching methods, will be integrated into primary-level science education. The ministry confirmed that it will be distributed to 12 selected schools nationwide that cater to visually impaired students. It will also feature outreach efforts under the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme, targeting schools involved in Special Education Integration and Inclusive Education programmes. In addition, the module will be shared internationally with member countries of the International Astronomical Union via its Working Group on Inclusive Outreach.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Science
- The Sun
Malaysia launches astronomy module for visually impaired
KUALA LUMPUR: Students with visual disabilities in Malaysia can now engage in astronomy through a newly launched module designed specifically for them. The initiative, a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad, aims to make science education more inclusive. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang highlighted the module's importance in breaking barriers for visually impaired learners. 'This module is tailored for schools with special needs students, ensuring astronomy education is accessible beyond those with perfect vision,' he said during the launch at the National Planetarium. The module features tactile models of the sun and solar system, accompanied by audio descriptions and sound effects for an immersive learning experience. Chang noted that 12 schools have been selected for the initial phase under the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. The project aligns with Malaysia's National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the Malaysia MADANI vision, which advocates equal educational opportunities. Chang also encouraged more public-private partnerships to support students with disabilities in pursuing knowledge.
The Star
5 days ago
- Science
- The Star
Malaysia introduces astronomy module for students with visual disabilities
KUALA LUMPUR: Students with visual impairments in this country can now 'explore' space following the introduction of the Special Astronomy Module designed for them. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the module was a collaboration between the National Planetarium and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad. "This module is specially designed to be used in schools that have students with special needs, especially those with visual impairments," he said when launching the module at the National Planetarium here Monday (July 7). Also present were the secretary-general of the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad, National Planetarium director Mohd Zamri Shah Mastor and Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad chairman Zainul Rahim Mohd Zain. Chang said 12 schools had been identified as recipients of the initial phase of the module through the Inclusive Astronomy Transit Programme. He said the module used tactile models of the sun and the solar system, supported by narrative audio and sound effects, which allowed the learning experience to be more comprehensive. "With appropriate technological support and continuous improvement, this inclusive Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) culture can have a great impact on all levels of society, including the disabled community who are often marginalised in this field," he said. Chang said the initiative was in line with the principle of inclusiveness outlined in the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy as well as the concept of Malaysia Madani, which emphasises fair access to education for all. He also hoped that more collaborations between the government and the private sector could be implemented to help children who face physical constraints to pursue knowledge so that they would not be left out of the national education stream. – Bernama
