SIBU: Sarawak youths studying outside the state have been urged to return home and contribute to its development.
State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah said the state has invested heavily in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiatives to equip students with future-ready skills.
“One of the key initiatives is the Sarawak Dual Language Programme (DLP), introduced in 2020, where Science and Mathematics are taught entirely in English starting from Primary One.
"The aim is to build a strong foundation in these subjects, enabling our students to progress smoothly into higher levels where English is the main medium of instruction,” he said at the opening of PETRONAS Empowering Knowledge: Discover PETRONAS@School Sibu programme here on Friday (Aug 29).
He added that through the ministry, the state government also introduced English-based lessons in digital literacy, computer programming and robotics.
These programmes are designed to prepare Sarawakian youths with the necessary skills for the future, he said.
“We hope that after completing their studies, they will return to Sarawak and contribute to the state’s development."
He added that he recently visited several parts of Sarawak to observe STEM programmes in action.
“In Curtin University, for example, we are collaborating with Nasa and SpaceX on global projects. This year, we are also introducing Aerospace Engineering at the International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak (i-CATS), one of our local institutions,” he said.
Sagah also highlighted that local universities, such as the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu, Swinburne University in Kuching and Curtin University in Miri, offer a range of engineering programmes.
“Curtin University in Miri provides many courses related to oil and gas, as well as green technology, fields closely aligned with PETRONAS' mission," he said.
He expressed appreciation to PETRONAS and the Sarawak Education Department for their continuous support in advancing education in the state.
“Despite economic and social challenges, parents in Sarawak have consistently shown strong commitment to their children’s education, driven by hope and inspiration.
"This reflects our collective determination to strengthen education as part of our development goals," he said.
