PSU Pattani Advances Women in STEM Through Cross-Border Learning, Research, and Knowledge Exchange at UiTM Penang, Malaysia
Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Pattani Campus, continues to promote and empower women in STEM through the STEM ConnectHER project, supported by The Asia Foundation. On September 5, 2026, a group of 50 female students from the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science and Technology, Faculty of Communication Sciences, and other STEM-related disciplines traveled to Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, for an international learning and knowledge exchange experience.
The delegation was led by Assistant Professor Dr. Warapark Maitreephun, Assistant President for Research and Social Mission, PSU Pattani Campus. The visit aimed to provide students with international learning experiences and inspire them to recognize opportunities for growth in STEM through education, research, and future careers.
Exploring STEM Education and Research at UiTM
During the knowledge exchange, students attended presentations by faculty members and staff from UiTM Pulau Pinang covering mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and student affairs. Students gained insights into curriculum structures, teaching and learning approaches, laboratory facilities, research activities, and connections with industry.
In engineering, UiTM presented approaches that connect theoretical knowledge with practical experience through collaboration with industry professionals, field visits, practical training, and student projects. Students also learned how academic programs are designed to develop skills aligned with labor-market needs, particularly in emerging industries such as the semiconductor industry.
Another area of interest was inter-institutional research collaboration. UiTM faculty members shared opportunities for interested students to conduct research or gain practical experience in laboratories through collaborative activities. Examples of UiTM doctoral students conducting research in collaboration with PSU demonstrated the potential for knowledge exchange and further academic and research cooperation between the two institutions.
Learning Through Real-World Challenges
In civil engineering, students learned about approaches to applying academic knowledge to real-world challenges, including carbon management, structural design, environmental rehabilitation, water management, and flood prevention. They also learned about the SULAM initiative, which connects students with communities through service-learning projects while developing analytical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and social responsibility.
UiTM also presented its approach to student affairs and leadership development, emphasizing holistic student support through welfare services, financial assistance, health and well-being support, counseling, extracurricular activities, sports, community engagement, and leadership development under the “Student First” concept.
This approach reflects the view that a university is not simply a place to earn a degree, but also an environment where students can discover and develop their potential.
Empowering Women in STEM
Assistant Professor Dr. Warapark Maitreephun, Assistant President for Research and Social Mission, PSU Pattani Campus, expressed appreciation to the UiTM administrators and faculty members for their detailed presentations and warm hospitality.
He highlighted that the 50 participants were female students from diverse STEM-related disciplines and that the project aims to inspire them to see that women can study, work, and thrive in STEM fields to their full potential.
“Seeing female students and women researchers studying and working in laboratories, as well as students from different countries coming to UiTM to study and conduct research, provides a powerful source of inspiration for our students.”
The exchange also provided PSU students with opportunities to ask questions and engage directly with UiTM faculty members. One student from the Biology program in the Faculty of Education asked about plant tissue culture, learning that the topic had been part of previous research activities and was closely related to plant biology.
Building Confidence Through International Experience
The visit was more than an opportunity to study abroad. It provided students with a concrete view of academic pathways, research, laboratory work, industry collaboration, and international cooperation, while allowing them to learn about the role of women in STEM through the real experiences of students and researchers at an international university.
The implementation of the STEM ConnectHER project represents another important step for PSU Pattani in creating cross-border learning opportunities, strengthening the confidence and potential of female students, and connecting educational and research networks between Thailand and Malaysia.
Through these experiences, the project seeks to empower the next generation to pursue opportunities in STEM and the international arena with greater confidence.
