Astronomy Tour raises students’ awareness of space science

BINTULU: Various initiatives have been introduced by the Sarawak government to foster students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Jepak assemblyman, Iskandar Turkee said this was in line with the state’s desire to increase the percentage of STEM students under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).

Therefore, he pointed out that the organisation of the Friends of Astronomy Tour was very timely in providing awareness of space science to students.

“The main attraction of the programme is a mini planetarium where visitors will be able to experience being in the universe through a simulation of the night sky where there are planets, moon and constellations. This is a digital show about space science.

“What I see here is various advanced technologies shared with our children. Learning is no longer limited to textbooks but has advanced with technology such as planetariums and telescopes,” he said.

Iskandar poses with the participants of the Bintulu District Astronomy Friends programme.

Iskandar said this at the closing of the Bintulu District Friends of Astronomy Tour at SK Sungai Setulan, Jalan Pesisir Jepak-Kuala Tatau here on Thursday afternoon.

At the same time, he thanked the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Education for organising the roadshow and hoped it could provide new knowledge to the young generation.

He suggested such programmes should be held consistently and with the cooperation of head teachers and principals from all schools in the state to encourage the involvement of their students in space science.

“I also hope that today’s activities will be a starting point that raises the spirit towards the excellence of space science and furthers STEM learning to a higher level in the future,” he said.