The PlayLab Bus is a ground-breaking research project that emerged from the STEMBucket program, part of the international research project titled “A Community-Centered Educational Model for Developing Social Resilience.” Funded by the UKRI-Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) through the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), this initiative aimed to explore innovative educational approaches across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The overarching goal was to nurture individual, community, and institutional resilience through playful, frugal, and co-creative methods.
In response to the pressing need for inventive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and community empowerment, the PlayLab Bus was conceived. This innovative project serves as a bridge between theoretical STEM knowledge and practical application. It seeks to cultivate innovative thinking and promote social resilience, especially in underserved regions where access to quality STEM education is limited.
The PlayLab Bus serves multifaceted objectives. Firstly, it functions as a mobile STEM laboratory, providing students with a hands-on learning experience that allows them to apply STEM concepts practically. This dynamic approach helps students translate theoretical knowledge into valuable practical skills, preparing them for future careers in STEM-related fields.
Moreover, the PlayLab Bus is a versatile platform for interdisciplinary innovators to introduce practical solutions and sustainable innovations. It fosters a spirit of creativity and adaptability among students and community members. By repurposing materials and embracing sustainability, the project embodies the principles of frugality and playful design, imparting valuable lessons in resourcefulness and environmental stewardship.
The project is not limited to urban areas; it extends its reach to off-grid regions, addressing the unique needs and challenges of these communities. By promoting self-sustaining STEM endeavours in such areas, the PlayLab Bus empowers local communities to take control of their educational and developmental paths.
One of the key outcomes of the PlayLab Bus is the integration of cutting-edge technology and sustainability practices. The bus is equipped with a modular solar power system featuring flexible solar panels. This solar power system not only powers the bus but also serves as an educational tool, demonstrating the practical application of renewable energy sources.
Additionally, the PlayLab Bus incorporates a power footprint system, which tracks energy consumption, fostering responsible resource use and environmental awareness among students. Furthermore, the bus features a micro-scale rainwater harvesting system, showcasing sustainable water management practices and emphasizing the importance of resource conservation.
To facilitate learning and connectivity, the PlayLab Bus is equipped with Wi-Fi and an educational server service hosting a wealth of knowledge and information. This digital infrastructure enables real-time research, collaborative learning, and access to educational resources, regardless of the bus’s location.
These outcomes not only enrich STEM education but also instil a sense of environmental responsibility and digital connectivity among students, contributing to their holistic development.
The PlayLab Bus holds immense benefits for society. It enhances STEM literacy among students, preparing them for future careers and fostering a culture of innovation. By championing sustainability through material reuse and renewable energy, it promotes responsible living practices and environmental stewardship.
PlayLab History
Research funding from UK Research and Innovation – Economic and Social Research Council for ACES project was received in 2020. This project is called “A Community-Centered Educational Model for Developing Social Resilience (ACES): Playfulness Towards An Inclusive, Safe, and Resilient Society”, which focused more on STEM learning using gamification methods and playful learning through aspects of play to build social resilience. The success of receiving the grant is a follow-up to a collaboration with the GameChangers UK which is based at the Disruptive Media Learning Lab, Coventry University, United Kingdom. It is led by Professor Dr Sylvester Arnab, who is a Sarawak native from Kampung Semaba, Kuching. PlayLab is a creation of the project which highlights the innovative sustainable research efforts to integrate elements of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into operations and activities at every level. The project is supported by the university management, who is led by Yg Berbahagia Professor Datuk Mohamad Kadim Suaidi as they planned to dispose of the old buses, which is then used as project material.
The creation of the PlayLab Lab will highlight innovative sustainable research efforts, and this initiative is in line with the university’s efforts to integrate elements of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into operations and activities at every level. Hence, this PlayLab is known as the Playful Design Thinking Laboratory for Sustainable Development Goals.
For this project, we are very fortunate to have the support of the university management, led by Yang Berbahagia Professor Datuk Mohamad Kadim Suaidi. The university plans to dispose of some old buses that are no longer suitable for use. The university management has given us a bus to be our project material. This is the bus that is currently being worked on as a PlayLab.
The term ‘pop-up’ innovation refers to the concept of “frugal” (prudent/thrifty). Among the specifications in frugal innovation are reuse (reuse) and revamp (remodel) any material that is old or to be disposed of such as old vehicles, buildings, etc. and what needs to be done to make it fit for purpose and in accordance with purpose/objective of the project.
