Sarawak builds STEM talent early to drive future innovation, says Sagah

KOTA SAMARAHAN (April 9): Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is a strategic priority in preparing Sarawak’s youth to contribute to emerging sectors such as digital technology and renewable energy, said Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.

He said the state government is taking a deliberate, structured approach to nurturing STEM talent from an early stage to achieve the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 aspirations.

“The state government is not waiting for talent to emerge but is actively building it,” he said during the closing ceremony and award presentation of the International Science, Technology and Engineering Expo 2026 (i-STEEx 2026) at DeTAR Putra, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) here.

Sagah commended Unimas’ Faculty of Engineering for organising the expo, describing it as a strong reflection of the university’s commitment to cultivating innovation and strengthening STEM education among school students in Sarawak.

“The ideas and projects presented today, though still prototypes, are the seeds of future innovation.

“Within these halls may stand the future engineers, scientists and technology leaders who will drive Sarawak’s development,” he said.

He stressed that reinforcing STEM at the school level is crucial, as it equips students with analytical thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills, and technological literacy — competencies needed in sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Among the ministry’s initiatives are support for participation in WorldSkills Malaysia and WorldSkills International, closer industry collaboration to ensure relevant and employable skills, and backing platforms like i-STEEx to identify and nurture talent early.

“Through these efforts, we aim to produce not just graduates, but future leaders, innovators and skilled professionals,” he said.

About 70 teams of primary and secondary school students from across Sarawak competed in the eighth edition of i-STEEx 2026, themed “Innovate Solutions for a Sustainable Future”.

The expo was held in conjunction with the Unimas Engineering Conference 2026 (EnCon26).

The quality of projects was exceptionally high, evaluated by a panel of academic, industry, and government representatives.

Since its inception in 2016, i-STEEx has impacted over 1,500 students and teachers across the state.

A new highlight this year was the Gamified Learning Workshop, organised by the Unimas Gamification Centre with support from Pelangi Publishing Group Berhad.

The workshop attracted educators from Sarawak, Sabah, and Peninsular Malaysia, reflecting its relevance to the national digital education landscape.

The event was supported by strategic partners including the State Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, the Prime Minister’s Department, and industrial partners Anggun Tegas and East Bio.

Meanwhile, Unimas Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said i-STEEx underscores the university’s role as a bridge connecting university expertise with the potential of schoolchildren.

“Keep asking ‘why’ and ‘how’, because that is where innovation begins,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with the announcement of top innovators in the primary and secondary categories.