KUCHING: The STEM Catalyst programme has emerged as a key initiative to increase the interest of primary school students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in Sarawak.

According to Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, this programme comprises a mobile carnival that brings various STEM exhibitions and interactive activities directly to schools to inspire the youth.

He said this programme was piloted in 2024 in several areas including Kota Samarahan, Serian, and Sri Aman where it received an overwhelming response and will be expanded more aggressively in 2025.

“Within four months from April to July, the implementation team will travel to 18 District Education Offices (PPD) and aim to involve more than 6,000 students from over 130 primary schools.

“We will start from Lundu in the south, to Kanowit in central Sarawak and then to Baram in the north with each session lasting one day and transport provided for students from surrounding schools to participate in the programme,” he said.

He said this at the STEM Catalyst-Raspberry Pi 2025 press conference held at the Sarawak Skills Administrative Building here on Wednesday.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah also expressed his intention to expand the programme to more remote areas in the future, including using boats to ensure that no students are left behind.

Meanwhile, the MEITD Minister affirmed his ministry’s commitment to fostering a deep interest in STEM among the youth and even adults.

“We have set a target to achieve 60 per cent student enrolment in STEM by 2030. Currently, we are still at 45.7 per cent,” he said.

Therefore, he expressed hope for all stakeholders to support the state government’s STEM aspirations, especially in ensuring that Sarawakians are equipped with strong STEM knowledge in line with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

Also present were MEITD Deputy Minister, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, and other dignitaries. -UKASnews