KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus and Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, Kuala Lumpur (Petrosains) joined hands to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning in Sarawak with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday.
The exchange of documents was witnessed by the Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Seri Micheal Manyin Jawong at Swimburne Sarawak Campus.
Under the partnership, Swinburne Sarawak and Petrosains will jointly develop content and activities in STEM to encourage more students to participate in science and technology education as well gearing the community towards digital economy and adaptation of Industry 4.0.
Speaking during the ceremony, Swinburne Sarawak deputy vice-chancellor and chief executive officer (CEO) Prof John Wilson said as a university of technology set up to meet the human capital needs of Sarawak, the engineering, computing, design, science and business programme offered in fact compliment the state’s goal to go digital and embrace the Industry 4.0.
“Swinburne is more than a teaching university. Our highly qualified and experienced Malaysian and international researcher conduct real-world research project in collaboration with the industry players.
“Importantly, our graduates of these professionally recognised programmes have the knowledge and expertise which Sarawak needs to fulfil its twin objectives,” he added.
According to him, the university has the expertise that the state could rely on, to address to challenges that are specific to Sarawak since many of the university research projects are conducted in the local context.
He also noted that the university aimed to reach out to more schools in this endeavor, and is hopeful of the support from the Education, Science, and Technological Research Ministry and the state Education Department.
Wilson added Swinburne Sarawak will also explore the possibility of setting up a dedicated STEM hub in Kuching as a long-term strategy in meeting the state’s goals.
“In addition, both organisations will jointly develop a new upskilling programme in Science communication for Petrosains Playsmart Kuching employees, and this programme can be extended to the teachers in the future,” he said.
As Petrosains corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm in the pillar of education, they have conducted many events for students and the public to help promote STEM education in Sarawak.
One of the latest programmes was Petrosains DinoTrek2 which was opened to the public in May this year at the Kuching Civic Centre. It will continue to operate until end of this year.
Swinburne Sarawak and Petrosains will also work together to develop content and activity for STEM outreach events in Sarawak that include awareness in science and technology subjects and industry collaboration to impart 21st century learning among students.
The MoU signing ceremony will take place at the Makers Meet, an event jointly organised by Swinburne Sarawak and Petrosains to create interest in STEM among secondary school students.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit www.swinburne.edu.my and for Petrosains, log on to www.petrosains.com.my.
