By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, July 30: The newly opened Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) has been described as the best of its kind in Malaysia as the State seeks to nurture future innovators like Albert Einstein, Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government invested more than RM200 million to establish the science centre with state-of-the-art equipment, ranging from dinosaur exhibits to aerospace technology, as part of efforts to build a strong technological foundation for Sarawakians to master the latest technologies regardless of ethnic or religious background.
“If we can produce Albert Einstein, many Mark Zuckerbergs and Steve Jobs with the latest technology, then we can face the future and manage our economy, with our children moving in line with the demands of the world,” he said when speaking at the 61st Sarawak Secondary School Principals Management Conference in Sibu today. His speech recording was later shared with DayakDaily.
Abang Johari further said the SSCiEX was established to provide students with exposure to various scientific fields, including renewable energy, hydrogen technology and aerospace.
He said the facility, which comes with a hostel, would also allow students from rural areas to stay during educational visits, ensuring that distance would not become a barrier for them to access scientific knowledge.
He also said Sarawak developed the Science Centre in collaboration with institutions from Singapore, Finland and Germany to ensure it meets international standards.
“During SSCiEX’s launching yesterday (July 29), I asked whether Petrosains was better than ours. My officers said, ‘This is the best in Malaysia in terms of Science Centre’,” he said.
The Premier added that early exposure to science and technology could unlock the potential of students, including those from rural communities.
He recalled how students from Batu Bungan, including Penan youths, demonstrated drone technology during the launch of SSCiEX, saying the achievement showed that rural students could master new disciplines when given the opportunity.
“I went to Batu Bungan 30 years ago before the school was established. I never imagined that children from Batu Bungan, including Penan students, could operate drones through remote control.
“This shows that if we expose our children from the beginning, they can master new disciplines,” he said.
He also said future economic opportunities would increasingly depend on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), particularly in areas such as carbon capture, sustainability and green technology.
He said that this was why the State government continues to support initiatives such as the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP) and Dual Language Programme (DLP) to prepare students for future industries. — DayakDaily
