KUCHING: One of the state government’s objectives is to enhance its education and twenty first-century abilities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg Tun Openg said that these include critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and digital literacy.
“The state government through its agencies, primarily the Sarawak Museum Department, has always been a proud custodian of our Sarawakian traditions and cultures while also continually seeking for means to enable us to transform into a modern and thriving society.
“Thus, the just-opened Borneo Cultures Museum (BCM) will function as a catalyst to boost studies into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in the state,” he said during the official opening of the museum here last night (Mar 4).
He said this is because the museum is outfitted with interactive displays and modern exhibition technology.
“Furthermore, BCM can also play a forefront role in disseminating knowledge derived from data and research on the museum’s extensive collections.
“As a world-class repository, the BCM is anticipated to serve as a centre of learning, attracting more academics and researchers from both local and international institutions in our effort to be enriched with more knowledge from Borneo’s rich history, cultures, and nature,” he said.
Abang Johari believes that the research-driving objective of the museum will augur well for the ability of the society to appreciate the importance of research and be imbibed with the research culture in order to generate data, undeniably a priceless commodity in the digital economic environment.
“This is very much in line with our aim of developing an economy that is data-driven in which data moves, operates, or controls nearly every action,” he said.
He added that as can be seen in developed economies, he strongly believes that a society entrenched with the research culture and a data-driven mindset will have greater analytical skills, enhanced problem-solving capacities, better decision-making, and will generate ideas and innovation of ways to improve every aspect of life.
“This aligns with the state’s strategic aim of creating human capital and driving digital adoption, with an emphasis on digital competences such as data analytics and problem-solving abilities, which would assist the state in developing digital and creative talents for its workforce,” said Abang Johari.
