At RYTHM Foundation’s Maharani Learning Lab in Kuala Lumpur, weekend digital classes are allowing young adolescent girls to become girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) through hands-on lessons in coding and electronics.
Through a digital class programme run with KidzTechCentre, the girls are learning to code, wire circuits, and turn their ideas into working projects that bring science and technology to life.
The programme tackles the gender gap in STEM by introducing the girls to Micro:bit and Arduino kits. These are microcontroller development boards used for teaching and learning coding and electronics.
Lessons progress from basic coding and IoT projects to 3D design and Python game development, blending guided lessons with hands-on projects and presentations.
Future-ready Girls in STEM
During a recent session, the girls started with Python coding on CodeCombat, a game-based learning platform that teaches programming and computer science fundamentals, before competing in an online challenge.
Next came the Rope Escape Trick: pairs tied their hands together and worked out how to break free without untying the rope. It was a simple puzzle that tested creative thinking.
The morning ended with a balloon-powered car race. Using bottles, caps, sticks, straws and balloons, the teams built and raced their own vehicles while picking up lessons in physics and teamwork.
Confidence and Curiosity
For many, the experience has changed how they view technology.
“My favourite part has been learning to code,” says Nurul Nadila, a Sekolah Menengah Damansara Damai 1 secondary school student. “I’ve also made new friends from other schools and had fun working together on our projects.”
For Taanusiya Johde, joining the digital classes has opened a new world of possibilities. “I knew very little about coding or how to build something that actually works,” she says.
“These classes make learning feel exciting and real, like we’re creating things that matter,” the 16-year-old adds.
Many girls say the hands-on lessons have helped them understand how technology works in everyday life.
“Learning to use Micro:bit made me realise how small things can control big ideas,” explains Nur Shahirah Azwanie. “Now I want to try building something that can help people in real life.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Innovators
Santhi Periasamy, Head of RYTHM Foundation, said the initiative is about giving girls the tools and confidence to explore careers in STEM.
“When we create safe spaces for girls to experiment and learn, we help them see themselves as future engineers, scientists or creators. That confidence is what will carry them into whatever field they choose.”
The Digital Class Programme continues twice a month, building skills that will last well beyond the classroom. Each session is more than a lesson for these young participants — it is a step toward a future where they can shape technology and not just use it.
The MLL is part of RYTHM’s Maharani Programme, the flagship initiative that empowers adolescent girls through education, life skills, and values-based learning. The Maharani Schools Programme (MSP) extends this work to public schools across Malaysia, reaching students through camps and after-school activities that promote self-development, leadership, and gender equality.
