BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
KUCHING: When completed in 2024, the Sarawak Science Centre will be a platform to sow the seeds of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among Sarawakians.
“We want to focus on showcasing the strengths of Sarawak and the resources that we have. Sarawak is rich in natural resources and biodiversity,” the centre’s interim chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said at the centre’s earth-breaking ceremony, Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya here today.
Present to officiate at the ceremony was Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who was accompanied by Education, Science and Technological Research (MESTR) Minister Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong and other Cabinet ministers.
“We will be expanding our programmes to the public. However, our focus is of course school students and teachers,” added Shariman.
Shariman said they are working closely with “our consultant in Singapore on our master plan. We will be building the infrastructure and facilities, which will include hostel, on a 10.8-acre land.”
The centre will also include facilities such as interactive exhibits, science lab, digital lab, astronomy observatory, tinkering area, makers space, science shows area, mini auditorium, seminar hall and discussion room.
Shariman said the private sector is welcome to participate, collaborate and invest with them to achieve the state’s goal of preparing Sarawakians for the technology-based industrial revolution.
The idea of establishing Sarawak’s very own science centre was mooted by the chief iinister back in 2017.
Over the years, MESTR had undertaken steps and efforts to engage with numerous science centres in the country as well as overseas to gain insights on the establishment, management and operations of science centres.
