By Amanda L
KUCHING, July 29: Sarawak’s newly opened Science Centre will forge international partnerships with institutions in Singapore, Finland and Türkiye to expose students to global scientific developments and emerging technologies.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the collaborations would connect the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) with leading international institutions, exposing students to the latest developments in science, technology and innovation while advancing the State’s ambition of becoming a regional STEM education hub.
“In other words, it becomes global. That’s why in my speech earlier I said this centre is not only for Sarawak or Malaysia, but for engagement with the world so that together we can overcome future challenges because we are in the tropics,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) here today.
He said the initiative would build on Sarawak’s existing collaborations with universities in Singapore and Finland as well as i-CATS University College’s partnership with Türkiye in aerospace, further strengthening knowledge exchange in emerging scientific fields.
Abang Johari said the centre was created to nurture curiosity among young people through interactive and hands-on learning, featuring exhibits on dinosaurs, biodiversity, hydrogen technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and renewable energy.
Its laboratories enable students to translate classroom theory into practical experiments while allowing teachers to demonstrate real-world scientific applications.
To ensure students across the State especially those from rural areas can benefit from the facilities, the centre also provides hostel accommodation for visiting school groups.
“The important thing is for teachers to bring their students here. We have a hostel, so schools from rural areas can come and stay. We want to expose our young people because they are creative,” he said.
Abang Johari added that the Science Centre would continue expanding its programmes and facilities through collaborations with leading science centres around the world to keep pace with advances in science and technology.
He also described the facility as among the country’s most comprehensive science centres, citing its extensive range of interactive exhibits and learning experiences.
“I think this is the best,” he said when asked how it compares with similar facilities in Malaysia.
Officially opened today, the Sarawak Science Centre is the State’s flagship STEM education hub featuring interactive galleries, laboratories, astronomy exhibits and dedicated learning spaces aimed at inspiring greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among Sarawak’s younger generation. — DayakDaily
