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By Shikin Louis and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Sept 23: The Sarawak government will build shared laboratories in every district across the State to be accessible by multiple schools for learning the basic of science, if the Federal government delays in fulfilling such basic but critical needs of schools.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government is willing to take up the responsibility as he “cannot brain how in the world can schools in Sarawak in this era still lack laboratories”.
He opined that such facilities are crucial for learning essential science disciplines such as chemistry, physics and biology that are crucial in preparing the workforce of the future.
“We will build shared labs in all districts so that schools can share and use these facilities for learning, exploring and experimenting.
“This will support our efforts to produce STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) proficient generation. Our children today are weak in STEM because there are inadequate facilities to enable their exploration and learning. So we will use our own approach,” he said when speaking at the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Convention for Southern Zone held at Hikmah Exchange here today.
Abang Johari, who is also PBB president, pointed out that the problem lies with the national education system and policies of the Federal government.
He had raised this matter with the Federal Cabinet and advocated for the establishment of laboratories not only science-focused schools but in all schools across Sarawak.
“Today (in this era), our schools are not equipped with laboratories, other than if they are science schools. Go to the school and see for yourself. If it is not a science school, there is no lab,” he said.
In contrast to the past, when every school has at least a laboratory for basic scientific experiments, he said today’s education relies heavily on textbooks, lacking the vital practical or hands-on experience that can inspire and cultivate students’ interests and curiosities.
Recognising the evolving landscape of industries due to augmented reality, artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics, Abang Johari stressed the urgency of nurturing young talents, particularly among the Bumiputera community, in STEM disciplines.
Among those present were PBB deputy presidents Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, senior vice presidents Dato Sri Fadillah Yusof and Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom, permanent chairman Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar and secretary-general Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. — DayakDaily
