Sarawak ramps up digital literacy, STEM to prepare future-ready students

SIBU (Aug 29): The Sarawak government has invested heavily in digital literacy, computer programming and robotics activities in schools to ensure students are equipped with future-ready skills.

State Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn expressed hope that students who master these skills will return to Sarawak after completing their studies to contribute back to the state’s development.

“This effort will bring great benefits to students and mark the beginning of more programmes like this in the future. Together, let us ensure the well-being of our community through quality education,” he said when officiating at the opening of the Petronas Empowering Knowledge: Discover Petronas @ School Sibu at SMK Kampung Nangka today.

Sagah commended Petronas for its continued commitment to education and human capital development through its social impact programmes.

“This time, Petronas once again organises an educational programme focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). I am proud of the efforts by Petronas in creating interest among students in STEM,’ he said.

According to Sagah, STEM education plays a vital role in preparing a skilled society and providing future talent for innovation and national development.

“This initiative also supports the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013–2025, which highlights the importance of STEM at schools, both in the classroom and through co-curricular activities,” he said.

He added that the initiative aligns with Sarawak’s aspiration to become a high-income state by 2030, with education and human capital development as the main drivers, while also supporting the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) which focuses on socio-economic transformation, human capital development, knowledge and digital technology as the foundation for sustainable growth.

“At the state level, MEITD has introduced many STEM initiatives, including the Dual Language Programme (DLP Sarawak) in 2020, where Science and Mathematics are taught fully in English beginning from Primary 1.

“The aim is clear – to build a strong foundation in Science and Mathematics early, so that students can progress smoothly to secondary and later at tertiary level, where English is the main language for these subjects,” he added.

Sagah also expressed gratitude to Petronas and the Sarawak Education Department for their close collaboration in making the programme a success.

“This partnership supports the state’s agenda in strengthening STEM education to achieve our development goals,” he concluded.