BY ELLISIA TINGASS
KUCHING: The STEM Trailblazer — Powered by Pi event signifies the state’s commitment in promoting Science,Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as a cornerstone of Sarawak’s development, said Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Minister Datuk Roland Sagah.
“The STEM Trailblazers 2023 event is our belief that the future generations are the trailblazers of today. Sarawak believes in the talent we have in the state. We believe that our children can make a difference when given the right tools and knowledge.
“The event will have two major programmes, a Raspberry Pi Forum and a STEM festival.
Both programmes are pivotal in showcasing the best talents Sarawak has to offer, and demonstrates how my ministry has been central to the development of human capital,” he said during a press conference at Swinburne Sarawak today.
Roland said over 2,000 students and teachers are expected to attend the event which will be held from July 6 to 8 where its opening ceremony will be held at Swinburne Sarawak, while its closing ceremony will be held at Curtin University Malaysia simultaneously.
This event, organised by the MEITD in collaboration with Swinburne Sarawak, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and Curtin University Malaysia, will also include industry exhibits and talks by international speakers.
Meanwhile, Swinburne Sarawak pro-vice-chancellor and chief executive officer Prof Lau Hieng Ho said through the event, it is hoped that young Sarawakians will generate interest in STEM.
“I hope that we continue to motivate and inspire young Sarawakians to develop interest in STEM subjects and to take up education programs and subsequently jobs in the STEM field.
“In addition, together with the ministry, we will work hand in hand to achieve the national target of a 60 per cent uptake of students in STEM subjects by 2030,” he said.
Curtin University Malaysia deputy pro-vice-chancellor Prof Vincent Lee said the event will help bridge Sarawak’s knowledge acquisition and human capital development needs to meet its long-term aspirations.
“We are moving rapidly towards achieving these aspirations, as can be seen in the technology-oriented catalytic initiatives, and the very forward-looking Sarawak hydrogen economy; digital transformation; carbon capture, utilisation and storage; and autonomous rapid transit initiatives, among others.
“Hence, it is important that we provide the necessary human resources and expertise to the state to meet the technological needs of the future,” he said.
