NEWS: Girls, think technology

The Star

Sunday November 25, 2007

IBM Malaysia hosted its fourth EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering (EXITE) camp recently for Form Three girls to help them develop their knowledge and skills as well as encourage them to consider careers in information technology and engineering.

This year, after completing their PMR examination, 25 girls from schools in the Klang Valley attended the five-day camp themed "Girls Go Tech" at Plaza IBM in Bandar Utama.

They engaged in activities, lectures and field visits centred on the practical aspects of mathematics, science and technology.

Students from SMK Damansara Utama, SMK Taman Tun Dr Ismail, SMK Bandar Utama and five daughters of IBM employees carried out experiments, attended leadership programmes and went on a field trip to Nestle for an introduction to food science.

There were also a few sessions on mechanical engineering and programming simulated with Lego Robotics.

The session enabled the students to build replicas of their own engineering designs and inventions such as concept vehicles and machinery and then programme them.

IBM's Women In Technology programme head Caroline Yap said the goal of the camp was to guide young women of today towards this area of study in a positive environment.

"The interactive activities increase the students' knowledge and understanding of technology, which not only helps in academic preparation, but also creates professional opportunities," she added.

Janani Ananthan from SMK Bandar Utama, who hopes to go into IT engineering or forensics, had her doubts cleared after the camp.

"At first, I thought that computers and IT will be difficult for me, but after the camp, I realised that it isn't that tough," she said.

SMK Bandar Utama student Kong Kar Yee said the sessions on robotics were her favourite as she could work with the others while learning about technology and getting a view of what engineering was like.

IBM has also paired the students with IBM e-mentors, who will continue communicating with them online throughout their school year via the IBM MentorPlace programme.

The mentors will work with the students on online projects and interact with them on topics that centre on technology.