https://neuroscirn.org/ojs/index.php/nrnotes A high quality, free open access and peer-reviewed journal from scientists to scientists. en-US <p>The observations and associated materials published or posted by NeurosciRN are licensed by the authors for use and distribution in accord with the <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/" target="_blank" rel="external noopener">Creative Commons Attribution license CC BY-NC 4.0 international</a>, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.</p> editorial@neuroscirn.org (Editorial Office) support@neuroscirn.org (Technical Support Team) Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800 OJS 3.3.0.11 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 https://neuroscirn.org/ojs/index.php/nrnotes/article/view/515 <p>The STEM@USM program is a neuroscience-driven university-community engagement initiative conducted by the Department of Neurosciences, USM at SK Sungai Rual, Jeli, Kelantan. The school serves Orang Asli communities, Malaysia’s indigenous population, and is the only school of its kind in the district. Grounded in neuroscience in education, the program was designed to enhance memory formation, learning processes, motivation, and student engagement through experiential learning and multisensory approaches. Implemented from June 2024 to July 2025, the initiative comprised three phases: experiential exposure to neuroscience and medical sciences, creative integration of STEM concepts through digital art and NFT-based learning, and impact evaluation. Based on the assessment, the program improved students’ scientific understanding, learning motivation, and classroom engagement, consistent with stronger memory retention through hands-on and visual learning strategies. By combining neuroscience concepts with digital innovation, the initiative reinforced the role of active learning environments in supporting cognitive engagement and sustained interest in STEM subjects, particularly among underserved learners. Overall, STEM@USM illustrates how neuroscience-informed pedagogy can bridge the STEM gap for indigenous education while providing a versatile platform for community empowerment. Beyond its local impact, the initiative offers a scalable, adaptable framework that integrates cognitive science, digital technology, and community engagement. Future directions include extending the program to other underserved schools, strengthening longitudinal evaluation of educational and cognitive outcomes, and positioning neuroscience-based experiential learning as a strategic approach for advancing equitable STEM development.</p> Farizan Ahmad, Mohd Harizal Senik , Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has, Sarina Sulong, Azlina Ahmad, Surini Yusoff, Siti Norasikin Mohd Nafi, Ahmad Hayani Awang, Zul Faizuddin Osman Copyright (c) 2026 Farizan Ahmad, Mohd Harizal Senik , Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has, Sarina Sulong, Azlina Ahmad, Surini Yusoff, Siti Norasikin Mohd Nafi, Ahmad Hayani Awang, Zul Faizuddin Osman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 https://neuroscirn.org/ojs/index.php/nrnotes/article/view/515 Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0800