By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, July 19: Sarawak-based technology firm SOCOE Holdings Sdn Bhd (SOCOE) played a role in supporting the rural science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) movement via the ‘STEM Catalysts & Jubilee Joy: A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage’ programme, held at SMK Long Lama, Baram, on July 16.
According to a press release, SOCOE served as the lead industry partner for the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development’s (MEITD) programme, jointly implemented by Sarawak Skills and the University of Technology Sarawak.
The travelling STEM carnival aims to spark curiosity and inspire an appreciation for STEM among rural students, targeting over 6,000 Primary 5 and 6 pupils from more than 130 rural schools across the State.
The event was officiated by the Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Sarawak Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, and attended by his deputy minister, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau.
“Sarawak’s future depends on how well we prepare our children today. This programme plants the seeds of innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among our young minds, particularly in rural areas,” said Sagah in his speech.
Over 700 participants from six schools—SMK Long Lama, SMK Tinjar, SJKC Kee Tee, SK Ubong Imang, SK Long Lapok, and SK Sungai Bain—participated in the event.
The programme featured a variety of activities, including STEM Catalyst workshops, SMK Long Lama’s Jubilee celebration, the Hornbill Foundation’s ‘No Kids Left Behind’ initiative, Persatuan Kebajikan Rolf Schnyder’s ‘KIDS: Bits and Bytes’, and Curtin University Malaysia’s STEM outreach programme.
A highlight of the event was the showcase of digital technologies contributing to Sarawak’s hydrogen economy aspirations.
Students were introduced to the principles of electrolysis, fuel cell operation, ammonia production, and the integration of sensors, actuators, and robotics in managing these processes.
“SOCOE is proud to support the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme through our corporate social responsibility arm, SOCOE Kasih. Empowering young talents in Sarawak’s communities, whether urban or rural, through science and technology, is crucial for the region’s long-term sustainable growth.
“We aim to nurture local talents, build critical future-ready skills, and support a generation of innovators. When rural youth are equipped with the right tools, they don’t just adapt to the future — they help shape it,” commented a SOCOE spokesperson. — DayakDaily
