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The STEM program trains students for the future by fostering their enthusiasm for science, mathematics, robotics, and engineering. The advantages of STEM education are many, including critical thinking, cooperation, and collaboration. These collaborative skills are vital in STEM-related professions where collaboration and teamwork with experts are prevalent. STEM education plays a crucial role in developing well-rounded students who are prepared to face the challenges of the workforce. Thus, the Faculty of Applied Sciences (FSG), UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, organized an international collaboration-based SULAM program. The Service-Learning Malaysia—University for Society (SULAM) activity was introduced as a teaching and learning method that combines course objectives with community service. Through SULAM, students can interact with the local community and use the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to solve local problems. 

Hence, the students enrolled in the FSG301 course planned and prepared for a community activity entitled "Program Forum: Microplastics: An Emerging Contaminant" throughout the semesters of October 2024–February 2025 and organized it at the end of the semester. The purpose of this activity is to spread awareness among university students about microplastics in relation to their sources, environmental impacts, and health risks; encourage collective action to reduce microplastic pollution; and protect ecosystems and human health among university students. Furthermore, increase knowledge among university students to promote responsible consumer behavior, encourage reduction and control policies, and foster community involvement in cleanup efforts.

This program forum is organized as a webinar online through the Webex platform. The target community for this program is participants from Sharda University, India. Thus, FSG, UiTM Perak Branch Tapah Campus, collaborated with Prof. Dr. Mohit Sahni, Professor in the Department of Physics, Associate Dean of Research, and Head of the PhD Cell at Sharda University. There were a total of 81 participants from UiTM Tapah and Sharda University, India, who joined in this webinar. This webinar begins with a recitation of a duo, followed by a welcoming speech by the advisor of this webinar, Puan Tavasuria Elangovan, a biology lecturer from FSG, UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, followed by the forum/talk session by Cik Nor Salmi Binti Abdullah, a research officer at the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM).

The speaker delivered a talk on microplastic pollution, which covered topics such as sources, effects, research, and measures to reduce it. The talk was delivered for listeners to be more aware of the dangers of microplastics to the environment and human health and the importance of measures to reduce this pollution. The speaker also explained the research conducted by NAHRIM on microplastic pollution in rivers in Malaysia. The speaker concluded the talk by sharing about the challenges and opportunities in addressing microplastic pollution. The speaker conducted a question-and-answer session. 

This program forum is organized as a webinar online through the Webex platform. The target community for this program is participants from Sharda University, India. Thus, FSG, UiTM Perak Branch Tapah Campus, collaborated with Prof. Dr. Mohit Sahni, Professor in the Department of Physics, Associate Dean of Research, and Head of the PhD Cell at Sharda University. There were a total of 81 participants from UiTM Tapah and Sharda University, India, who joined in this webinar. This webinar begins with a recitation of a duo, followed by a welcoming speech by the advisor of this webinar, Puan Tavasuria Elangovan, a biology lecturer from FSG, UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, followed by the forum/talk session by Cik Nor Salmi Binti Abdullah, a research officer at the National Water Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM).

The speaker delivered a talk on microplastic pollution, which covered topics such as sources, effects, research, and measures to reduce it. The talk was delivered for listeners to be more aware of the dangers of microplastics to the environment and human health and the importance of measures to reduce this pollution. The speaker also explained the research conducted by NAHRIM on microplastic pollution in rivers in Malaysia. The speaker concluded the talk by sharing about the challenges and opportunities in addressing microplastic pollution. The speaker conducted a question-and-answer session. 

Next, a game activity was held with the participants using Quizizz apps. Participants answered questions related to microplastics during this activity to identify their understanding level regarding the forum topic: microplastics. After that, there was a session showing an experimental video on microplastics, followed by a closing speech by Dr. Mimi Sophia Sarbandi, Coordinator of FSG, UiTM Perak Branch, Tapah Campus, and a photo session. At the end of the webinar, participants’ feedback was gathered using Google Forms. 

In addition, the analysis showed that 97.9% of participants mentioned that the content of this forum talk is based on the current issue, and 95.9% of participants stated that their knowledge regarding the effects of microplastic and the prevention of this issue has improved and increased after the webinar. Besides that, 100% of participants agreed that they can share their knowledge gained through this webinar with their friends and others. The participants also mentioned that this program is a good initiative, has increased knowledge about current issues, and has raised awareness about misuse and poor management of plastic. It indicated that the topic of this webinar has raised awareness and had a positive impact on them. 

In conclusion, this STEM-based program pertains to environmental sustainability and prioritizes sustainable development goals (SDG): life below water. Microplastics in water contribute significantly to water pollution. Therefore, it is essential for communities to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources to prevent pollution. Through community outreach activities, students can raise awareness about community-oriented STEM issues and further encourage involvement in more environmental conservation efforts to effectively utilize their STEM skills.