Dreams beyond the mountains

Students listening intently to a facilitator during the laser show.

BEYOND the mountains in the remote highlands of Sabah’s Long Pasia, two classmates are dreaming of futures far beyond the village they call home.

Growing up in rural Sabah, where everything is more difficult, information is scarcer and access to technology is limited, 15-year-old SK Long Pasia student McCoy Alexander dreams of a future away from the land.

Inspired by an uncle who works in the oil and gas industry, the Form Three student hopes to one day become an engineer and work on offshore oil platforms.

Despite the many limitations at school and home, science has always been among his favourite subjects and, in a class of 11 students, he is often one of the top performers.

McCoy is not the only student at SK Long Pasia with big ambitions.

His classmate, Esther Saran, also loves science but hopes to become a fashion designer.

Drawing inspiration from the rivers, forests and landscapes that surround Long Pasia, she dreams of one day transforming the beauty of her homeland into creations of her own.

SK Long Pasia headmaster Jeffry Padan said creating such opportunities was vital because rural students possess the same talent and potential as their peers elsewhere.

“What they often need is exposure, experience and encouragement to help them discover what is possible,” he said.

That is why, when Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Beyond Borders arrived at SK Long Pasia on Aug 20, it brought more than science demonstrations and educational activities.

Two students participating in experiments during the science show.

It brought an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and imagine new possibilities for their future.

Organised by the Sipitang district education office in collaboration with PETRONAS, the two-day outreach programme brought together about 155 primary school pupils and 45 secondary school students from SK Long Pasia, SK Ulu Bole, SK Meligan, SK Melalia and SK Ulu Sipitang.

The programme began on the evening of Aug 20 with an astronomy-themed session.

Although rain prevented the planned stargazing activity, students still had the opportunity to see and learn about telescopes up close – an experience many encountered for the first time.

As night fell over the school grounds, colourful beams from a laser show lit up the darkness.

Students watched in fascination as facilitators explained the science behind the display, transforming abstract concepts into something tangible and memorable.

For many of the students, it was a rare opportunity to engage with and learn about technology seldom accessible in their daily lives.

According to Padan, the programme left a meaningful and lasting impression on the students and raised their awareness of, and interest in, STEM.

The excitement continued the next morning with science demonstrations, a Drone Control Challenge, Dash Robot Challenge and interactive exhibits facilitated by Petrosains and programme partners.

Students also listened to professionals speak about education pathways and career opportunities, giving them a better understanding of the steps needed to pursue their ambitions.

McCoy named the Drone Control Challenge as the activity that left the strongest impression on him.

For students in a village located more than 100km from Sipitang town, that kind of exposure can be transformative.

McCoy described the experience as “one he will not soon forget”, naming the Drone Control Challenge as the activity that left the strongest impression on him after he saw how technology responded to commands in real time.

Esther, meanwhile, said the experience revealed how technology and creativity can complement one another.

Among the exhibits, it was the 3D printer that captured her imagination most. Watching a digital design gradually take shape as a physical object was unlike anything she had experienced before.

She was equally fascinated by an interactive exhibit that used water to create music, demonstrating how science, creativity and innovation can intersect in unexpected ways.

While the programme did not alter Esther’s ambition to become a fashion designer, it broadened her perspective on how science and technology can support creativity and help bring ideas to life.

For Padan, that broader impact was evident throughout the programme, with activities such as the science show and interactive exhibition booths enabling students to experience STEM in ways they had never encountered before.

He highlighted the role played by the district education office, PETRONAS and participating teachers in exposing students to new possibilities.

“Their presence provided fresh inspiration and demonstrated how education can open doors to a wide range of opportunities and careers. I hope similar programmes will continue reaching schools in Sabah’s rural and remote communities,” said Padan.

“If rural students do not have access to STEM facilities like those available in urban areas, then we hope more strategic partners will bring those opportunities directly to rural communities,” he said.