By Devagi Kanaraju
Kota Samarahan– The EnChem-in-Action Challenge 2025 is a Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) initiative conducted as part of the assessment for STK 2943 Environmental Chemistry, coordinated by AP Dr Devagi Kanakaraju. This initiative reflects UNIMAS’s commitment to innovative, student-centred pedagogy that nurtures agile, future-oriented graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to nation-building and remain competitive in the global workforce.
Designed to move beyond conventional assessment methods, the CBL approach places students at the centre of the learning process by challenging them to identify authentic environmental problems, analyze them using scientific reasoning, and design evidence-based solutions. This agile learning environment enables students to adapt, collaborate, and respond to complex and evolving real-world challenges, key attributes of globally competitive talent.
A total of 67 second year chemistry students participated in the challenge, working in teams to develop and pitch 14 innovative project ideas addressing pressing environmental issues such as water pollution, waste management, environmental sustainability, and resource conservation. These projects were aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Through this alignment, students were encouraged to consider the broader societal, environmental, and economic impacts of their proposed solutions.
Throughout the challenge, students conducted literature reviews, analyzed environmental components and issues, and justified their ideas using relevant chemical principles and scientific data. This process strengthened their ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical and scalable solutions, supporting UNIMAS’s mission to develop future-ready graduates who are scientifically competent, socially responsible, and innovation-driven.
To enrich the learning experience, judges were invited from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including the Chemistry and Biotechnology programmes, Pre-University, and UNIMAS alumni. The multidisciplinary panel of judges provided constructive feedback and real-world insights, helping students refine their proposals while exposing them to multiple perspectives relevant to national and global contexts.
The challenge culminated in a pitching and award ceremony attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FRST), Prof. Dr Faisal Ali bin Anwarli Khan. The presence of Deputy Deans and chemistry lecturers highlighted strong institutional support for teaching innovations that align with UNIMAS’s strategic goals in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and talent development for national progress and global competitiveness.
Overall, the EnChem-in-Action Challenge 2025 successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of CBL in fostering meaningful, agile, and future-focused learning experiences. By integrating sustainability principles, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world problem-solving, the initiative exemplifies UNIMAS’s role in shaping graduates who are prepared to contribute to nation-building, drive sustainable development, and thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape.
