PETRONAS STEM Day ignites curiosity, inspires rural students to reach for the stars

1 hour ago 1

ADVERTISE HERE

By DayakDaily Team

MIRI, Dec 25: The PETRONAS Back to School @ Mulu: STEM Day programme has reignited curiosity, changed perceptions, and instilled new confidence in SK Batu Bungan students, showing them that, just like their urban peers, they too can shape a bright future in technology and innovation.

According to a TVS news, the event exemplifies PETRONAS’ ongoing commitment to nurturing interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) among rural students while helping bridge the education gap between urban and remote communities.

The programme represents a long-term investment in developing future talents, particularly in the fields of STEM.

SK Batu Bungan’s headmaster, Rubananthan Paramasveran, acknowledged the unique challenges faced by rural schools, even though their students’ achievements are comparable to those of urban schools.

“Our students are well-rounded in academics, sports, and STEM. They have represented the division in athletics and performed at the national level in STEM competitions.

“The main challenges include a shortage of trained STEM teachers, high equipment costs, and logistical difficulties due to the remote location. While some students are still unfamiliar with STEM, around 80 percent have already participated in STEM activities, including coding and basic projects,” he said.

Parental awareness of their children’s potential is also growing after witnessing SK Batu Bungan students’ achievements in the Malaysia Techlympics Sarawak Zone and National Malaysia Techlympics, organized by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI).

PETRONAS Sarawak general manager, Norazibah Md Rabu, said hosting STEM programmes in Mulu aligns with the company’s commitment to provide early exposure for rural students to the relevance of STEM in life and future careers.

“The programme introduces students to the importance of STEM in a fun and interactive way, highlighting success stories in the oil, gas, and energy sectors to inspire them,” she explained.
In addition to Mulu, PETRONAS has implemented similar programmes in other areas across Sarawak, including Bario and Bintulu.

Norazibah added that PETRONAS’ commitment extends beyond education to youth talent development through sports initiatives such as the PETRONAS Youth Indoor Football Championship and PETRONAS Youth Chess Championship, both held this year.

“The aim is to ensure young people stay active, engage with the community, and balance gadget use with productive outdoor activities,” she said.

Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Labour, Immigration, and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala, described PETRONAS’ efforts as complementary to the Sarawak Government’s broader agenda, which focuses on developing STEM talent.

He noted that the state provides greater opportunities for Sarawakian youth to pursue higher education with full sponsorship at state-owned universities.

Gerawat, who is also Mulu assemnlyman, explained that only 30 per cent of Sarawak students are currently enrolled in STEM fields, far below the 60–70 per cent target needed to meet future skilled workforce demand.

“The Sarawak government will cover tuition fees at State-owned universities such as Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University Malaysia, Sarawak University of Technology, and i-CATS University College for STEM courses, as these fields require highly skilled workers.

“STEM graduates not only have broader employment prospects but also more competitive salaries. Sarawak needs a skilled STEM workforce to support the state’s development agenda,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to PETRONAS for its continuous efforts in developing STEM talent in remote areas.

“I urge students to seize this opportunity and study diligently. Become scientists, engineers, and future leaders for the progress of our society and Sarawak,” he added.

With PETRONAS’ ongoing support, the State’s education initiatives, and the local community’s active participation, Mulu is emerging from its remote setting to become a fertile ground for nurturing the next generation ready to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital and technological world. — DayakDaily

Read Entire Article