STEM outreach program with an Electron Microscope at Entopia® Penang
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic

Entopia® Penang, formerly known as the Penang Butterfly Farm, has long been a beloved landmark in Malaysia. Today, it stands as a testament to the founder’s passion for entomology, with the legacy continuing to flourish internationally through the efforts of his son, Joseph Goh. But this passion is not just for butterflies—it's about sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), especially in the younger generation.

On 18 September 2024, Entopia® Penang launched a STEM outreach program titled "Illuminating the Invisible: The Mesmerizing World Revealed by Electron Microscopy." This inspiring event was officiated by YB Jagdeep Singh Deo, Deputy Minister II for the State of Pulau Pinang, and EXCO for Human Capital Development, Science, and Technology. Attendees at the launch event (from left to right):

  1. Tay Khoon Yang (CEO of Hi-Tech Instruments)
  2. Prof Khong YL (CEO of PowerSains Sdn Bhd)
  3. YB Jagdeep Singn Deo (Deputy Minister II, State of Pulau Pining)
  4. Joseph Goh (CEO of Entopia® Penang)
  5. Dr Annette Jaya Ram (Deputy Director of CEMACS, USM)


Following the launch, a series of “Nano World Explorer Workshops” were held from 18 Sept to 01 Oct 2024. Over this period, 21 workshops, each attracting 35 participants, took place, drawing 21 schools as well as members of the public in the northern community. These workshops provided hands-on exposure to the world of electron microscopy, sparked curiosity and inspired the younger generation to pursue careers in STEM fields, as well as pursue further studies in advanced fields like nanotechnology, nano-biotechnology, frontier materials engineering, nano-drug delivery system in medicine and atomic-scale epitaxy in 3D advanced devices, to name a few.
As a key partner in this initiative, our company played a central role in enabling this outreach program by providing state-of-the-art SEM imaging technology and expertise. The collaboration between Entopia® Penang and Hi-Tech Instruments, facilitated by the renowned Prof. Khong YL, has made it possible to introduce students to the fascinating world of microscopy, igniting their passion for STEM and encouraging them to explore future careers in these cutting-edge fields. Our involvement included offering in-depth training for the Entopia® Penang staff in sample preparation techniques, scanning electron microscope (SEM) operations, and electron optics, all aimed at delivering a seamless and enriching learning experience.

Prof. Khong, an expert in the fields of silicon wafer technology, solar cells, microprocessors, and hard disk media, worked with our team to ensure the success of the program. He is also the former director of Tech Dome Penang. His wealth of knowledge continues to be shared through Power Sains Sdn Bhd – Creating STEM Smartness.

The dedication of Entopia Penang team in ensuring the success of the program was evident in their commitment to learning sample preparation techniques and scanning electron microscope (SEM) operations. The team participated in on-line lectures on electron optics and several hands-on laboratory sessions in our Application Refinement Laboratory. They successfully captured stunning images of egg, pupa, butterfly, tarantula skin, millipede, praying mantis and reptile skin, all of which were the result of their own efforts.
As part of our corporate social responsibility, we provided at no charge a Hitachi TM4000Plus II Tabletop SEM from our laboratory and set it up at Entopia Penang for the duration of the program. Our team ensured site readiness, optimizing the optics, and dispatched specialist on-site to ensure perfect electron optics performance.

This event was also supported by the Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) at Universiti Sains Malaysia, which contributed specimens such as sea stars, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers. These fascinating marine creatures were introduced to the students, offering them the opportunity to engage with and learn about the wonders of marine life. It was a treat for the students, as they not only had the chance to view these animals through the SEM, but also enjoyed a hands-on experience by touching the live specimens. CEMACS played a key role in sparking curiosity about the diversity of marine life, enriching the students’ STEM learning experience.
This STEM outreach program was specifically designed for the northern community, with Penang being recognized as the “Silicon Valley” of ASEAN. The region’s semiconductor industry, particularly in Bayan Lepas, plays a vital role in Malaysia's export GDP, making it essential to foster future generations of scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Beyond the outreach workshops, the collaboration continues with groundbreaking research exploring the intricate structures of butterfly wings. Using our advanced sub-nm FE-SEM with in-column electron detection optics at low landing voltage, we revealed the stunning architecture of butterfly wings in extraordinary detail. The native wing architectures were seen for the first time without sample preparation by using low voltage ultra-sensitive in-column electron detection. These microscopic images not only showcase the beauty of nature but also highlight the advanced field emission electron optics in revealing the invisible.

Through our continued partnership with Entopia® Penang, we aim to inspire curiosity, foster innovation, and pave the way for the next generation of STEM professionals, all the while demonstrating the power of high-resolution imaging in exploring the wonders of the natural world.

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