By DayakDaily Team
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Aug 13: The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) has attracted about 60,000 visitors since its official opening on July 29, reflecting growing public interest in science and technology, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the centre was designed to give Sarawakians, particularly children, a better understanding of scientific and technological processes through hands-on and visual demonstrations.
“For example, they can understand the process of a cascading dam, the theory of gravity, how water flows through a stream, turns the turbine and produces power.
“At least they know the process,” he said in his speech at the Foundation Laying and Exchange of Agreements Ceremony for the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park (SBP) in Muara Tuang Land District here today.
Abang Johari said the centre also showcases hydrogen technology, including a demonstration of how hydrogen can be used as fuel for rockets.
He said such exposure was important in developing scientific awareness among the younger generation, which would eventually enable them to apply scientific discoveries and harness Sarawak’s resources to accelerate technological development.
“If we talk about dams, they may think it is like Bakun Dam, where land is submerged. But a cascading dam is different. It uses running water.
“When they see the actual process, they will understand,” he explained.
Abang Johari added that greater public understanding of technology would also help ensure that discussions surrounding development projects were based on a better understanding of the science and processes involved.
He said this was the broader idea behind Sarawak’s research and science initiatives, which aim to familiarise the people with technology and help chart the State’s future direction.
“Once people are very familiar with what technology is all about, then you know where our direction is,” he said.
The Phase 1 Sarawak Science Centre Interactive Experience (SSCiEX) was officially opened by Abang Johari on July 29, with its Ground Floor and Level 1 galleries featuring interactive exhibits covering areas including physics, engineering, earth science, biology and technology.
Located along Jalan Stadium in Kuching, the centre is a Sarawak government initiative aimed at nurturing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through interactive and experiential learning.
The facility also features laboratories and hostel accommodation to enable students, including those from rural areas, to gain practical exposure to science and technology. — DayakDaily
