SBS BRINGS AQUATIC SCIENCE TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH SEAS CAMP 5.0

USM, 4 September 2026 – The School of Biological Sciences (SBS), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), successfully hosted the fifth edition of Student Explore Aquatic Science (SEAS) Camp 5.0, bringing science, environmental awareness and hands-on learning closer to the community.

Led by Ts. Dr. Chee Su Yin, this year’s SEAS Camp marked a special milestone as the programme was opened to the public for the first time, welcoming more than 50 participants aged between 5 and 64 years old. The diverse participation provided an opportunity for people of different generations to come together and explore the science of water and the environment through a series of hands-on learning activities.

Participants took part in Water Quality Chemistry, where they conducted water quality tests and explored what different water quality parameters can reveal about the condition of water. The programme also featured Microscopic Detective: Exploring Cyanobacteria & Water Quality, which introduced participants to the microscopic world of cyanobacteria and its relationship with water quality. In addition, participants explored sustainable water management through the Rainwater Harvesting Workshop, where they designed and built mini rainwater harvesting models. The DIY Water Filter Workshop further allowed participants to investigate the principles of water filtration by experimenting with different materials and constructing their own simple water filters.

Through these activities, SEAS Camp 5.0 provided participants with opportunities to learn through doing while developing scientific curiosity and a deeper appreciation of water and environmental science. The programme also encouraged teamwork, creativity and meaningful interaction among participants from different generations.

The successful organisation of the programme was supported by lecturers and staff from the School of Biological Sciences and School of Chemical Sciences, USM, as well as facilitators and volunteers from Water Watch Penang. SBS also expressed its appreciation to PBAPP Penang for its continued support of SEAS Camp throughout the years.

The opening of SEAS Camp to the public reflects SBS’s continued efforts to strengthen university-community engagement by creating opportunities that connect scientific knowledge with the wider community. Through initiatives such as SEAS Camp, SBS aims to foster greater awareness and appreciation of water and the environment while creating meaningful opportunities for the community to engage with science.