KUALA LUMPUR: Even after 25 years of establishment, Petrosains continues to entertain friends and families with its interactive exhibitions, making learning fun.
As the school holiday begins, this science exhibition is not only a draw for Malaysians, but also attracts visitors from across the globe.
From Singapore to Johor Baru, and even as far as India, the science hub has become a hotspot for curious minds of all ages.
Also known as Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, it is considered a treasure trove of discovery, offering countless ways for visitors to engage with science, technology, and innovation.
Eddie Tay, 43, from Singapore, was captivated by Petrosains' offerings.
Visiting with his wife and two children, Tay shared his enthusiasm after only 30 minutes at the centre.
"It's very interesting. My kids have already started interacting with the exhibits," he said.
The Tay family opted for an enriching experience over typical playground outings.
"I want my children to develop a growth mindset by learning how things work. Compared with other places, I find this more interactive, especially for kids," he said, adding that he would recommend Petrosains to his friends.
Johor Baru resident Shahrul Effendy, 39, drove all the way to Kuala Lumpur to bring his child closer to the wonders of science and technology.
For him, exposing children to hands-on learning experiences is crucial in today's digital age.
"School holidays are the perfect time for children to explore science and technology instead of being consumed by social media.
"Here, they can learn, think critically, and share their experiences with friends," he said.
Shahrul hopes to see more centres like Petrosains across Malaysia, making it easier for families in different states to access such opportunities.
Meanwhile, 15-year-old Nur Aliesya Nor Khairi from Penang had her first visit to Petrosains during her school holiday trip.
An aspiring doctor, she was thrilled to learn about human anatomy through interactive exhibits.
"Here, I can learn more than I ever could in school. It's exciting to explore things we don't usually get to see," she said, adding that she would encourage her friends to visit Petrosains to experience its STEM-focused attractions.
For Shantha Vetrivel, 62, from India, Petrosains was a gift for her grandchildren, aged 3 and 9.
"It's so informative for the kids. They've learned so much through the exhibits," she said.
Visiting Malaysia with her family, she expressed her gratitude for a centre that combines education with entertainment.
On Dec 21, Petrosains kicked off the school holidays with a day filled with spectacular science-inspired fun and fanfare.
This featured workshops, activities, and expert sessions in celebrating their 25th anniversary of inspiring science, technology, and innovation.
Petrosains chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad said it had always been their purpose to provide a meaningful and inspiring experience to enhance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) literacy among communities everywhere.
"We hope that more young people will embrace a culture of creativity and innovation driven by science and technology, to support the nation in talent building.
"We believe that STEM learning must be accessible to communities from all backgrounds, which is vital in helping the younger generation discover their potential.
"This will enable them to be prepared for the future, seize new opportunities, and create solutions in advance," he said.
With some 300 exhibits in the science centre, Petrosains offers diverse exhibitions in themed galleries, including Space, an exploration of the wonders of astronomy; Geotime Diorama, providing insights into life on Earth during prehistoric times; and Sparkz, introducing basic science concepts through hands-on approaches.