Meet the Gene Detective

If you ask students today about how they feel about Biology, you may get answers like “I don’t really get what the teacher is saying” or “I hate memorising, especially the processes and theories”. 

A Biology lesson video from The Gene Detective.

 
Understanding DNA, for instance, might sound like a task for scientists in white coats, but thanks to a Malaysian innovation, it’s now a fun, immersive adventure. Introducing The Gene Detective, a locally developed e-learning toolkit that’s making waves in how Biology is taught across Malaysian classrooms. 

Learning Made Fun 

Created by Associate Professor Dr Then Sue-Mian and Professor Lee Kean Wah, The Gene Detective is designed to help students wrap their heads around complex concepts like DNA, genes, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Rather than relying on textbooks and lectures, the toolkit presents content in four interactive "capsules" featuring short videos, virtual experiments, games, and role-playing. It is designed with the attention spans of today’s students in mind, keeping them engaged through interactive, virtually hands-on elements.

A student studying using The Gene Detective.

 

The interdisciplinary approach behind the toolkit does not just teach science, it improves students’ language skills too. Results from over 725 students from public, private, and NGO-linked schools showed strong improvements in comprehension and vocabulary, with some of these students even expressing greater motivation and interest in Biology.

“We’re building curiosity, confidence and critical thinking,” said Dr Then. “If we can empower students to see science as something they can do, enjoy and even lead in, then we’re shaping a new generation of innovators.” 

The toolkit’s success has even caught the attention of education leaders. It is now being used in the gifted student programme at Kolej PERMATA@Pintar Negara UKM. Through a partnership with the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), it is set to be rolled out in schools across East Malaysia in August this year.

By making Biology more accessible and engaging, The Gene Detective is paving the way for a more inclusive, curiosity-driven STEM education, especially in under-resourced communities. Through this programme, we now have a clearer glimpse into how Malaysia can use more innovative, integrative and fun resources to nurture a new generation of scientific thinkers.