KUCHING: Traditional and conventional learning methods must be modified and enhanced in line with the advancement of technology, says Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said this was in order to create future generations with vast knowledge and critical-thinking skills, while being capable of adapting to the challenging and ever-changing global
environment.
Abang Johari’s speech text was read out by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, who is also Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, at the official launch of Petrosains PlaySmart at Kuching Civic Centre here, yesterday.
“The process of learning experienced by students these days is no longer the same as previous generations as they are now in the digital era, which offers various mediums and references,” he said.
He commended the role of Petronas via its extension Petrosains in cultivating the community’s interest in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and felt this should be an example to other companies in Sarawak and the nation.
He said that the launching of Petrosains PlaySmart would support the STEM learning in a non-formal way outside of the classroom.
“This unique and interactive environment here can boost interest and the urge to learn in the younger generation towards STEM,” Abang Johari added.
“For Sarawakians to benefit from the changing technological world and the arrival of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, we are stressing the importance of implementing digital knowledge such as big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and more within the community, particularly among the younger generation,” he stated.
He further said that the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy, which is being carried out from 2018 to 2022, was one of the strategic actions to strengthen STEM and information and communications technology (ICT) in primary and secondary schools, as well as institutions of higher learning.
“This will create an expert workforce for the development of Sarawak’s digital economy.”
Abang Johari said that developing world-class technology and digital experts was no easy feat, requiring steady efforts and continuous cooperation and support from all parties including corporate bodies and non-governmental bodies.
“Institutions of learning such as Petrosains, which always emphasises the importance of education in STEM skills, help us to achieve this goal,” he said.
Aside from PlaySmart, Abang Johari noted that Petronas via Petrosains had also been actively carrying out education programmes in schools, especially those in rural areas, workshops for teachers and education camps for students. He expressed his hope that Petronas would continue carrying out more creative and innovative programmes.
“With such collaborations, I am sure we can achieve our goal of cultivating a STEM and digitally-smart community.”
Meanwhile, Abdul Karim urged schools to arrange field trips to visit Petrosains PlaySmart as he believed it would be an enlightening learning experience for students.
Also present at the launch were State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, Assistant Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Petronas chairman Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh, and Ministry of Youth and Sports acting permanent secretary Nancy Jolhi.
