Expo to spark interest in science, technology, engineering and maths this weekend

Chai (third from right) and Sharbini (third from left) with the organising members in a photo op after a meeting.

KUCHING, August 23: The inaugural Sarawak Community Innovation Engineering Competition Exhibition (SCIENCE) will be held here this Aug 25-26 to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Themed ‘Powering Young Minds’, SCIENCE is organised by The Learning Curve (TLC) and is sponsored by Sarawak Energy Bhd. To be held at CityONE Megamall, it will showcase real-life applications of what students learn in class, an exhibition of students’ creations, a robotics workshop cum competition and also an art and craft session for children.

In a press statement today, Sarawak Energy said it had always been supportive of youth development and education, especially in subjects related to science, technology and engineering.

“Sarawak Energy is the state’s primary energy provider, electrifying households and business throughout Sarawak with predominantly clean and renewable resources. As we move towards becoming a digital utility powered by technology, we believe in investing in the future of Sarawak’s young through our annual scholarships as well as other educational development programmes.

“SCIENCE is a new platform focusing on encouraging innovation in young students,” said the power utility’s group chief executive officer Sharbini Suhaili.

He hoped SCIENCE would lay the foundation for a programme that would grow statewide to encourage innovation and creativity in young people across Sarawak and create greater awareness on the importance of STEM education and its applications.

Meanwhile, TLC co-founder Kenneth Chai encouraged parents to bring their children to the exhibition for a good learning experience.

“We encourage parents to bring their children to this very interesting science fair, to awaken their interest in STEM and to see how what they learnt in class actually has real-world applications,” he said.

Like-minded students from 12 different schools have collaborated in three teams over the last few weeks to build models of a hydroelectric dam, a solar-powered charging station and electric vehicle (EV). Their creations will be showcased at the exhibition.

For robot fans, there will also be the Robot Cup competition, where students can apply their STEM knowledge for the best innovation. The participants will be provided with materials to create their best robotic invention, and the winners stand to win attractive prizes.

For talks, topics would include an introduction to robotics and careers in STEM, aimed particularly at women. Entrance is free and the exhibition will be opened from 10am to 6pm on both days. — DayakDaily