Minister concerns over low Bidayuh participation in STEM fields, urges stronger push into science education

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By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, May 9: The level of participation among the Bidayuh community in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) remains low and requires stronger attention if Sarawak is to meet its long-term development goals, says Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

He said the community remains underrepresented in science-based and high-demand academic fields despite ongoing efforts to boost STEM participation statewide.

“I’m quite sad to see that despite our State policy aiming for 60 per cent STEM students by 2030, the number among Bidayuh is still very few,” he said when speaking at the official opening of the 11th Triennial General Assembly (TGA) 2026 of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) in Kuching last night (May 8).

Sagah stressed that STEM education is critical as it underpins key professions in Sarawak’s future economy, including medicine, engineering and veterinary science.

He also highlighted the shortage of veterinarians in Sarawak, noting that only around 10 are currently serving in government service.

He said this is among the reasons Sarawak is pushing ahead with plans to establish a veterinary school in Semenggok in the 12th Mile, a Bidayuh-majority area, which is expected to produce more local professionals and reduce reliance on foreign-trained graduates.

Beyond traditional academic pathways, he said Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) must also be strengthened as an equally important route, particularly in meeting industry demands and creating job opportunities.

Sagah also said Sarawak must prepare for emerging technologies, including aerospace development and satellite technology, noting that future industries will require strong scientific and technical foundations. He said even State-level ambitions, including plans related to nano-satellites, require a new generation of STEM-ready youths.

He encouraged parents and rural communities, including those in Bidayuh areas, to guide more young people towards STEM and technical education pathways, including SKM (Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia) programmes, which provide alternative routes into skilled careers.

Sagah also reminded that the Bidayuh community has historical significance in education, noting that they were among the earliest groups in Sarawak to receive English-language education and should continue building on that foundation through modern science-based learning.

“We have heard the Sarawak Premier (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) talking about launching our own nano-satellite in the next few years. Are the Bidayuh ready for that? We should be in that line as well — we should be at the forefront.

“Why? Because the Bidayuh were among the first groups in Sarawak to receive English education. Remember that. Otherwise, the mission would have failed already,” he added. — DayakDaily

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