Sarawak recognizes STEM talent through UP-DLP

KUCHING, 17 Sept: The Sarawak Dual Language Program Assessment Test (UP-DLP) was among the early efforts of the Government of Sarawak to identify academic talent for developing highly skilled human capital especially in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) embraced Member of the National Assembly (ADUN) Satok, Datuk Ibrahim Baki said that the test not only determines students' eligibility to enter Level One but is an important instrument in assessing their level of academic proficiency.

According to him, the outstanding achievements in the examination also opened up opportunities for students to further their education in international secondary schools owned by the Government of Sarawak through the Sarawak International Secondary School Foundation (YSISS).

"Whether you pass or fail is not the main thing. More importantly, we can identify students who have achieved excellent performance and they are offered the opportunity to further their education in Sarawak Government's international secondary schools through YSISS", he said.

He said this during a visit to the Sarawak Dual Language Program Assessment Test (UP-DLP) at Japan's National School (SK), Kuching, today.

Ibrahim explained that YSISS which was created through the vision of Prime Minister Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg also provides quality education opportunities to children from disadvantaged families.

Meanwhile, he said the development of high-skilled human capital is essential to support Sarawak's transition towards a high-income and digital economy.

He said that Sarawak is now exploring various new areas including digital economy, hydrogen and renewable energy which require skilled labour in STEM fields.

"All this requires human capital with intellectual capacity and skills in the field of Science and Technology. That's why mathematics is so important and English also plays a role because it's an international language", he said.

Meanwhile, the UP-DLP Pre-Trial Examination initiative is a pioneering project to help schools in Satok area improve student academic performance.

A total of 187 students from the three schools participated in the test involving 74 students from Japan Merpati SK, 64 students from Haki Bolhassan Folk SK and 49 students from Combined-TVS SK.