Latest news with #SMKLongLama
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
SOCOE leads industry support for rural STEM drive in Baram
Sagah (seated centre) and other dignitaries join the programme participants for a photo-call. KUCHING (July 20): Sarawak-based technology firm SOCOE Holdings Sdn Bhd shows support for the state's rural Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) movement by serving as the lead industry partner for the 'STEM Catalysts & Jubilee Joy: A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage' programme, held on July 16 at SMK Long Lama in Baram. The event drew over 700 participants from the host and nearby schools, including SMK Tinjar, SJKC Kee Tee, SK Ubong Imang, SK Long Lapok, and SK Sungai Bain. The initiative is part of the broader 'STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025' programme – a travelling STEM carnival spearheaded by the State Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), targeting more than 6,000 Primary 5 and 6 pupils from over 130 rural schools across Sarawak. It is jointly implemented by Sarawak Skills and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS). 'Sarawak's future depends on how well we prepare our children today,' said State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who officiated the event. 'This programme plants the seeds of innovation, creativity, and critical thinking among our young minds, particularly in rural areas.' A highlight of the event was a showcase on digital technologies contributing to Sarawak's hydrogen economy aspirations. Students were introduced to the principles of electrolysis, fuel cell operation, ammonia production, and how sensors, actuators, and robotics are integrated to manage these processes. 'SOCOE is proud to support the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme through our corporate social responsibility arm, SOCOE Kasih,' said a SOCOE spokesperson. 'Empowering young talents in Sarawak communities, whether urban or rural, through science and technology is crucial for the region's long-term sustainable growth.' SOCOE aims to nurture local talents, build critical future-ready skills, and support a generation of innovators, noting that when rural youth are equipped with the right tools, they not only adapt to the future but also help shape it. Also present at the event were Sagah's deputy minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Baram MP Dato Anyi Ngau. Baram lead Roland Sagah SOCOE STEM
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Science
- Borneo Post
Sagah: Knowing 3Rs no longer enough for rural kids
Sagah (seated centre) joins guests and participants for a photo call during the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme at SMK Long Lama. KUCHING (July 18): Sarawak's rural communities must embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) as the foundation of the state's future, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. In his keynote speech at the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme held at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday, the State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development said it is no longer acceptable to say that the 3Rs—reading, writing, and arithmetic—are enough for rural children. 'Our future depends on our ability to master science, technology, and digital knowledge. You too can excel in coding and STEM regardless of your location,' he was quoted as saying in a press release issued by Sarawak Skills. More than 1,000 students from rural schools across Baram gathered at SMK Long Lama for the programme, marking the largest turnout of the statewide STEM Catalyst tour to date. Held in conjunction with SMK Long Lama's Diamond Jubilee celebration, yesterday's event marked the 17th stop of the ongoing tour, spanning 18 districts from April till this month. The initiative is jointly organised by the Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, University of Technology Sarawak, and Sarawak Skills. The tour has already surpassed its initial target of reaching 130 schools, engaging over 160 rural schools and more than 6,000 students to date. In Baram, students from remote areas including SK Long Lapok travelled to SMK Long Lama to take part in the event, which featured interactive learning experiences. Among the hands-on activities were robotics, drone racing, hydraulic systems, hydrogen fuel experiments, AI-controlled robotic arms, and coding modules promoted by Persatuan Kebajikan Rolf Schnyder. A team of 20 trained STEM communicators guided students through the exhibits, explaining the science behind each activity in an engaging and accessible manner. Many students reportedly asked for longer sessions, and several teachers expressed interest in acquiring the exhibits for continued use at their schools. 'We're thrilled to see that some teachers even purchased exhibits on the spot. This kind of grassroots enthusiasm is exactly what we hoped to spark,' said Sagah. He also highlighted state initiatives aimed at removing barriers to STEM education, including next year's Free Tertiary Education Scheme which will allow students to pursue STEM degrees at state-owned institutions with full tuition waivers. 'Additionally, those from low-income households are eligible to receive an annual RM15,000 stipend. This is your chance to step into the world of STEM and help shape a smarter, stronger Sarawak,' he added. Sagah also praised the efforts of Sarawak Skills in bringing STEM programmes to remote areas like Long Lama, calling their outreach crucial in bridging the digital divide and nurturing future-ready talent across Sarawak. He acknowledged the strong collaboration with the Sarawak Education Department and Ministry of Education (MoE), and expressed hope for continued partnerships to support the state's goal of achieving 60 per cent STEM enrolment by 2030. Currently, Sarawak's STEM enrolment rate stands at 45.7 per cent. 'Today, we celebrate SMK Long Lama as a beacon of education. Tomorrow, let's celebrate it as the bastion of STEM innovation in Baram,' he said. Other STEM initiatives under the ministry include the Hornbill Foundation's 'No Kid Left Behind' programme, which delivers online STEM lessons to 11 rural secondary schools via Starlink connectivity; a collaboration with Unicef under the 'Future Skills for All' programme to train students and teachers in coding; and the SRDC BrightSparx Grant Programme, which funds student innovation projects, with the best idea receiving the Premier's BrightSparx Innovation Award. Also present at the event were Sagah's deputy minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department Datuk Gerawat Gala, Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau, and Sarawak Skills chief strategy officer Mohamad Isham Fauzi. . STEM lead Roland Sagah SMK Long Lama
