Baram pupils gain hands-on exposure to robotics, coding

MIRI (Sept 23): A total of 117 secondary and primary school pupils from four schools in Baram gained hands-on exposure to digital technology, robotics and coding through the Science on Wheels 2026 programme at SMK Tutoh Apoh from Sept 16 to 19.

The four-day Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and coding workshop was jointly organised by the Baram District Education Office, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Realfun Learning Centre.

SMK Tutoh Apoh said in a statement that the participants were from SMK Tutoh Apoh, SK Long Panai, SK Long Linei and SK Penghulu Bayang Mallang.

The programme aimed to provide early exposure to digital technology, robotics and coding while encouraging creativity, innovation and interest in STEM among students in the interior.

A key component was an introduction to basic coding using Microsoft MakeCode and micro:bit, allowing students to learn programming concepts through practical activities.

The students then applied their coding skills and knowledge of micro:bit to create a ‘Monster Robot’ as their main project.

The hands-on approach enabled participants to apply what they had learnt while developing problem-solving, creative and collaborative skills.

The programme also featured workshops, practical activities, student presentations and project assessments, culminating in a closing ceremony and awards presentation.

“Through coding and robotics activities, the programme sought to make STEM education more practical, engaging and meaningful while broadening students’ exposure to digital technology,” said the statement.