Minister: Turn research, innovation into real impact

1 day ago

Minister: Turn research, innovation into real impact

MIRI (Oct 21): Translating research and innovation into tangible action that makes a real difference in classrooms, communities and the lives of learners is just as important as generating new knowledge itself, said Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

Speaking at the third International Conference on Educational Research and Innovation (iCERI 2025) here today, he said this year’s theme ‘Educational Creativity and Innovation: From Global Research to Local Impact’ is both timely and deeply relevant.

“The world today is changing faster than ever, driven by rapid advances in technology, society, and education.

“The pandemic has reminded us how vulnerable—yet how adaptive—our systems can be. In this new landscape, creativity and innovation are not simply nice to have; they are essential.

“But equally important is the ability to translate research and innovation into action, to make a real difference in classrooms, communities, and the lives of learners.”

His speech was read by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development II (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.

Sagah said iCERI plays a vital role not only as a conference, but also as a dynamic platform for meaningful exchange among scholars, educators, policymakers, and students.

He noted that iCERI has become a bridge between theory and practice—connecting research and classroom realities—and showcasing how ideas from around the world can take root and flourish at the local level, especially in Sarawak.

“Conferences such as iCERI are vital because they provide a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing across borders and disciplines.

“They create opportunities for researchers to showcase their findings, for educators to exchange best practices, and for students to be inspired by new perspectives,” he said, adding that participants this year included representatives from Brunei, Vietnam, and Thailand.

Sagah reiterated the ministry’s commitment under the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP) to build a high-quality, inclusive, and future-ready education system through research, innovation, and talent development.

Among ongoing efforts, he said, are plans to increase Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) enrolment to 60 per cent by 2030 and to extend the Dual Language Programme (DLP)—under which Science and Mathematics are taught in English—to secondary schools, beginning with Form 1 in 2026.

Meanwhile, Institute of Teacher Education Sarawak Campus director Dr Noraini Omar said that in addition to research paper presentations and keynote addresses, iCERI 2025 also features robotics workshops, pedagogical workshops, and innovation competitions and showcases—where young minds, educators, and researchers present practical solutions, tools, and teaching strategies that reflect both originality and relevance.

“I am especially proud that our conference highlights the creative talents of primary and secondary students alongside academics and professionals.

“This multilevel participation embodies our belief that innovation can and should come from all corners of the education system.”

This year’s iCERI recorded a total of 1,395 participants, comprising 503 physical attendees at Meritz Hotel and 892 online participants, including six from overseas.

The conference features 116 paper presentations by 144 presenters, 192 innovation projects across six categories, and 28 robotics teams involving 62 young talents.

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