KUALA LUMPUR: Petrosains, The Discovery Centre recently celebrated 25 years of igniting curiosity and a love for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with a three-day carnival .
A highlight was the exclusive "Night at The Discovery Centre" session on March 1, which saw the centre extending its opening hours until 10pm.
Activities, such as the LED Light Drum Show, performances by Insomniacks and a contest for the 50 visitors with the best science-themed costumes were held, with special prizes offered during the sessions.
Petrosains chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad said the Petrosains 25th Anniversary Carnival was their way of celebrating its silver jubilee and paying tribute to visitors, communities and people who have supported them.
"We've had school groups, families, young adults and tourists from all over the world who have journeyed with us for the past two and half decades.
"Our humble purpose has always been to provide a meaningful and inspiring experience to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy among communities everywhere, in the hope that more young people will embrace a culture of creativity, and innovation driven by science and technology, with the goal of supporting the nation in talent building," he said.
About 300 exhibits were featured in themed galleries, including Space for astronomy, Paleo to Petroleum for prehistoric Earth life, and Sparkz for interactive basic science learning.
The exhibition space also included the Platform, mimicking the experience of being on an oil platform, and Molecule Nano World, which highlights the fascinating aspects of chemistry and petrochemicals.
In January, the SPEED gallery was enhanced with a life-size replica of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W13, famously driven by George Russell in his 2022 debut season.
Petrosains brand and communications director Shamini Balan said Petrosains had reached more than 26 million people in Malaysia and abroad through various educational initiatives in the past 25 years.
"Petrosains aims to expand access to learning and upskilling nationwide, particularly in science and technology.
"Working with local and regional partners, individuals are empowered to meet future demands through knowledge and skills sharing," she said.
Partners participating in the carnival included Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Pusat Sains Negara, Aquaria, Sustainable Energy Development Authority, Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd, and Grup Buku Karangkraf.
They offered a diverse range of activities, spanning from fascinating chemical experiments and content on marine conservation, water sustainability and more, enriching visiting and educational experiences of the attendees.
The workshops were accessible to the public for free during the carnival.
Shereen Ezaini, 36, from Kuala Lumpur, said every visit to Petrosains had always been exciting because of the experience.
"Our kids may learn the basics at school, but here, they get to see it and understand how things work better.
It is exciting because they could learn more about STEM through experimentation.
They can engage in interactive and hands-on activities that make learning more enjoyable," she said.
Hafizah Nasruddin, 40, from Kuantan, said it was her first time visiting with her family, and she would come again to explore every activity and exhibit in detail.
More information can be found on Petrosains' website at www.petrosains.com.my.