KUCHING: Sarawak is developing the basic infrastructure for students to learn and be interested in science subjects, said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said it was important for the state to promote science subjects among students in order to produce the right intellectual capital to move the economy forward, particularly towards Industry 4.0.
Among others, he said the state government was putting up a science centre which would be developed by the Education, Science and Technological Research Ministry.
“They are now working together with Singapore, which has a successful science centre.
“It will create an ecosystem where students will be able to learn more on science subjects,” he said when opening a Mind and STEM Festival at Chung Hua Middle School No 1 here.
The two-day festival was organised by the Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kuala Lumpur Engineering Science Fair and Sin Chew Daily.
Abang Johari also said the state government was collaborating with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) on a science lab for students to have hands-on experience and to explore science subjects in depth.
“This lab will be monitored by lecturers, who will be able to gauge the standard of knowledge on science subjects,” he said.
He added that although these projects involved a lot of money, the state government was investing in the right people to produce intellectual capital for future development.
Earlier, UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik said the festival aimed to promote interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among students, besides introducing techniques to improve memory and thinking skills.
“I hope the festival will bring excitement to young students and help them see that mathematics and science are not difficult or dull subjects, but are fun and useful for life skills,” he said.
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