By Nancy Nais
SERIAN, Oct 1: Less than 30 per cent of Sarawakian students qualify to enrol in the Science stream after finishing PT3.
This was revealed by Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong when attending the earth-breaking ceremony for the Sarawak Science Centre here today.
“Our performance in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is not encouraging. For the whole of Malaysia, there is a target of 60 per cent. This means 60 per cent of our boys and girls after Form 3, should be qualified to enrol as pure Science students during Form 4.
“But as far as Sarawak is concerned, we have achieved less than 30 per cent,” said Manyin.
While less than 30 per cent of Sarawakians students made it into the Science stream after Form 3, Singapore’s percentage is more than double at 70 to 80 per cent.
Manyin who is the Tebedu assemblyman thus called on all parents to encourage their children to aim for pure Science stream after Form 3.
Citing Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Utilities Minister Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee who happen to be medically trained, Manyin assured those present that Science subjects are not hard to tackle.
Meanwhile, Manyin said setting up of the Sarawak Science Centre will help to build the next generation of creative, innovative and competitive talents.
He said the objective of establishing a science centre is to provide rich learning environments to create interest, awareness and enthusiasm in Science amongst students, teachers and the community.
“We need a science centre that can provide an environment and exposure to the general public, especially young people, about science, technology and discovery in an interactive, fun and informal way.
“We also envision the science centre to partner with schools in extending the experience base for students in order to help them build bridges in understanding the application of STEM topics through formal and informal programmes,” Manyin added.
The science centre which will have a hostel, also aims to provide both students and other members of the public with an immersive and interactive experience through science exploration and hands-on activities.
“We have had numerous engagements with the Singapore Science Centre, one of the older and most established science centres in the region, and I am happy to say that we will be collaborating with them for the masterplan. The collaboration will also further strengthen the development of science and technology education in Sarawak through international relationships,” said Manyin.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg was present to officiate at the earth-breaking ceremony. — DayakDaily
