By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, April 26: The mission of the Sarawak Science Centre (SSC) is to bridge the gap between most people’s everyday lives and experiences and the complexity of science and technology, says Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
According to Sagah, the SSC will serve as a resource for 21st century student-centred learning and adult education programmes, as well as a place for the public to learn through play-with-science.
He made this statement during his speech at this morning’s SSC Masterplan Workshop (Phases 4 & 5), which was held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) in Kuching.
“The SSC is the brainchild of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“His vision is clear: to bring the people of Sarawak up to speed with the rest of the world in science and technology.
“As per our Premier’s vision, there is an increasing need to develop a public understanding of science and technology, as the fruits of science and technology products will continue to shape the nature of society and influence events of global significance,” he stated.
He went on to say that fundamental science, which is the foundation of new discoveries, can be difficult to observe in nature when unaided, which is why there is a need to raise awareness of, and appreciation for, natural science that happens all around us.
“Many attempts have been made to bridge the divide between professionals and laypeople.
“Books, magazine articles, television programmes, and high school science courses have all been involved.
“However, props such as exhibits and hands-on activities that people can view, touch, and try to truly create awareness and bridge the divide are needed,” he explained.
Sagah, who is also a Tarat assemblyman, pointed out that explaining science and technology without props is akin to describing how to swim without allowing a person into the water.
“This workshop with our consultant from Singapore will discuss Phases 4 and 5 and bring the SSC masterplan to fruition, and I believe the outcome will benefit people both now and in the future,” he concluded.
Also present were Deputy Minister of MEITD (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Hollis, Deputy Minister of MEITD (Higher Education and Innovation) Dr Annuar Rapaee, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Datu Kameri Affendi, Singapore Science Centre chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Lim Tit Meng, director of National Science Centre Kuala Lumpur Mismah Jimbun, and director of commercial and experience Petrosains Kuala Lumpur Kamarudin Kasim. — DayakDaily
