Sarawak aiming for over 60 pct participation in upper secondary STEM stream
by Sandra Jaboh · Borneo Post OnlineKUCHING (Oct 26): Sarawak hopes to achieve more than 60 per cent participation in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) stream at the upper secondary level by 2030, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
The caretaker Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) said data from the state Education Department showed an encouraging participation in STEM among Form Four students.
“This is encouraging progress, but efforts must continue to achieve the target of more than 60 per cent in STEM participation at the upper secondary level by 2030. To cultivate a deeper interest in STEM, exposure must begin at the primary school level.
“Pupils need not only to understand the importance of STEM, but also to have opportunities to observe, experiment and experience firsthand how STEM concepts are applied in real life,” he said in his speech at the Discover Petronas, School Outreach: Mathematics Camp at Borneo Empurau Farm and Resort in Tarat on Monday.
He said Sarawak’s economic direction had shifted towards developing various industries to increase income for the state and its people, while contributing to national income.
“The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) also provided Sarawakian students with opportunities to pursue higher education at state-owned universities in 64 fields, most of which were related to STEM,” he added.
He added that initiatives such as the Sarawak Science Kit (KITSS) played an important role in cultivating pupils’ interest in STEM.
“Through hands-on learning, concepts that may seem difficult or abstract in textbooks can be translated into experiences that are easier to understand and more relatable to pupils.
“In Sarawak, this is particularly important. We want more pupils to have opportunities to explore STEM, regardless of where they attend school.
“By bringing learning resources closer to pupils and teachers, we not only broaden access but also provide fairer opportunities for pupils to discover their respective interests and abilities,” he said.
Meanwhile, Petronas Sarawak general manager Norazibah Md Rabu said the initiative aimed to broaden access to practical science education among primary school pupils throughout the state.
“Since the initiative was announced in November 2025, Petronas has committed 60 KITSS sets worth RM1.2 million to expand access to science learning in schools across Sarawak.
“Each kit is equipped with various science learning tools, including microscopes, test tubes and experiment materials, allowing pupils to explore scientific concepts through observation and hands-on activities,” she said.
She added that since distribution began in February, the initiative was expected to benefit 1,030 schools across 30 districts in Sarawak.
KITSS is a mobile science and STEM education initiative designed to support practical science learning in primary schools throughout Sarawak.
Also present was MEITD caretaker deputy minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.