MIRI: Sarawak needs a large pool of talents in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to achieve its vision of a digital economy.
“Digitalisation is one of the elements that contribute to economic growth,” said Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong at the launching of STEM Playground Miri 2019 at Pustaka Miri yesterday.
He stressed that Sarawak needed the technical expertise in order for it to sustain its digital economy. Hence, the state government, through his ministry was emphasising on STEM and Tvet education to provide the pool of talents for the purpose.
He pointed out that students’ interest in STEM should be nurtured at an early age.
“It is important for us to prepare and develop our students especially in STEM related fields to ensure a steady pool of skilled workers to support the industry,” he added.
Manyin expressed concern on students’ enrolment in Science stream in Sarawak, despite a slight increase this year compared to the previous year.
“The small number of Science stream students in secondary schools will reduce the number of entries into technical and STEM courses in tertiary institutions,” he explained.
A total 61 booths are taking part in the two-day STEM Playground Miri 2019 interactive exhibition.
The event is organised by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas) and supported by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA), Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research (MESTR) in collaboration with Curtin Malaysia Miri campus and Pustaka Miri.
Also present were TEGAS board of members- Dennis Ngau and Batu Danau Assemblyman Paulus Gumbang.
