KUCHING, Nov 5: The ‘Think & Tinker Mini Lab’ or ‘T&T Mini Lab’ multipurpose space for innovation purposes in schools will enable students to hone their talents and skills in the field of digital innovation, said Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
According to Snowdan, T&T Mini Lab is also a centre to share knowledge and expertise between students, teachers and industry experts, to effectively produce students who are literate in digital innovation and robotics.
“I am also pleased to inform that this ‘T&T Mini Lab’ will target rural or suburban school students because Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) has a high commitment in bridging the digital literacy gap between urban and rural school students.
“This is in line with the Sarawak government’s aim to make the people of Sarawak digitally and technologically literate to ensure that the digital economy agenda as a new source of income in the state can be realised.
“In this regard, the T&T Mini Lab will also help prepare students with critical and creative thinking skills by using digital technology tools,” he said during its launch at a local hotel in Serian today.
The Balai Ringin incumbent also pointed out that the T&T Mini Lab will allow students to practice “co-creating and co-learning” by using digital equipment and technology that has been provided.
He added that students will be exposed to the basics of programming and coding which are key components in the production of product innovation and technology equipment.
“I also hope that parents will also encourage their children to get involved with this programme at school because the support of parents is very important in their children’s success.
“With this, I really hope to see students from the Balai Ringin area succeed one day, especially in the field of digital technology, and at the same time, helping the socio-economic development in the area,” he added.
The programme is jointly organised by Tegas Community Innovative Learning and Sarawak State Education Department, together with SMK Balai Ringin.
Apart from donating STEM Learning Tools, Tegas has also designed several STEM learning programs that will be held with the educators of SMK Balai Ringin in an effort to produce young innovators among students.
Eleven other schools throughout the State have been selected as pilot schools for the Tegas T&T Mini Lab initiative. — DayakDaily
