SERIAN: Construction of the Sarawak Science Centre is scheduled to start early next year, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Roland Sagah.
He said this phase of the project which will play an important role in 21st century education is expected to be tendered in the near future.
“So far, the field clearing work and land walling at the development site have been fully completed. So now we will issue a tender for the construction of the structure.
“If everything goes well, this new centre is scheduled to be completed by 2024, which is earlier than we expected,” he said after launching the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Community Programme: Green Box Bright Up Kiosk in Kampung Bunga yesterday (July 5).
He added that the centre, which will cost RM190 million to develop, is situated close to the Sarawak Energy (SEB) headquarters building at Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, in Kuching.
“The cost includes the exhibition space as well as the displayed materials. Some of the exhibits at the Kuching Theatre Planetarium which are still relevant will be brought to this centre later.
“However, it should be noted that this exhibit differs from the Planetarium in that the Singapore Science Centre is involved in its conception, design, and implementation.
“It will also be equipped with facilities such as interactive exhibitions, science laboratories, astronomy observatory, discussion rooms, office space, camping sites including hostels,” he explained.
The Sarawak Science Centre will collaborate with the state’s educational institutions by offering non-formal learning opportunities and promoting scientific literacy among Sarawak residents.
Discussions to build the centre which is a brainchild of Premier Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg began in 2017. It is one of the state government’s programmes to encourage STEM among students.
