Sagah: Knowing 3Rs no longer enough for rural kids
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
14 hours ago
- The Star
Unifi Mobile raises the bar with 5G mobile performance
Unifi Mobile ranked top in Malaysia for 5G Video Experience, 5G Download Speed, overall Video Experience and Games Experience in OpenSignal's Mobile Network Experience Report (Nov 2024). FAST, reliable and stable mobile networks matter more than ever in today's digital-first world. That's why every mobile service provider works hard to deliver the best possible experience. However, when it comes to video performance, different networks may offer varying levels of quality depending on factors such as coverage, speed and consistency. Among Malaysia's major mobile service providers, Unifi Mobile stands at the forefront when it comes to providing bespoke network coverage with a top-notch video experience. The results speak for themselves. Unifi ranked top in four performance categories in Opensignal's November 2024 Mobile Network Experience Report, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia's leading mobile networks: > 5G Download Speed > 5G Video Experience > Games Experience > Video Experience These awards underscore Unifi Mobile's efforts to meet the growing demands of today's digital lifestyles with fast, reliable connectivity. Unifi Mobile's UNI5G plans combine 5G/4G internet speeds with unlimited data for seamless streaming and internet connectivity. Taking it to the streets To put its speed and streaming quality to the test, Unifi Mobile teamed up with local singer and actor Fattah Amin for a fun, on-the-ground challenge in Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown, inviting passersby who subscribe to other telco services to go head-to-head. There were two challenges: 'Game siapa lag, dia kalah!' and 'Lumba load video.' In the first challenge, Amin faced off with participants in a mobile gaming showdown. The network that lags loses. The second tested streaming speed, with both sides racing to see who could load a video faster. For the showdown, Fattah raised the stakes by promising RM1,000 to any participant who could beat him. Based on their experience during the challenges, most passersby agreed that Unifi delivered on speed, video quality and gaming performance, thereby living up to its recognition in Opensignal's latest report. Catch the full street challenge on Unifi's social media accounts. Better streaming starts with better connectivity The quality of your streaming experience can often make or break your day, from work calls to weekend binge-watching. If you've ever experienced laggy streams or patchy calls, you know how crucial network reliability can be. Plans like UNI5G Wow Prepaid offer affordable, nationwide coverage and stable connections with uncapped 5G speed all day without compromising on video streaming quality. Think team meetings or your favourite series, uninterrupted. Customers can enjoy 60% discounted access to a wide selection of popular streaming platforms, including Viu, iQIYI, Disney+ Hotstar and many more, from as low as RM8.40 per month. If you're still using a 4G phone, Unifi Mobile's UNI5G Postpaid plan offers a complimentary 5G smartphone when you sign up and pair it with unlimited data, starting from just RM49/month, so you can savour the 5G experience at its fullest. If you need extra data to stream non-stop, UNI5G Postpaid 39 plan comes with a limited-time offer of 200GB data for just RM1. With its notable video quality, Unifi Mobile is out to change the narrative of how mobile service providers provide network coverage and transform the way consumers view mobile content. Recognised for award-winning performance, Unifi Mobile offers a network built for today's digital demands. Learn more, including available upgrade options, at
Rakyat Post
5 days ago
- Rakyat Post
RM1.99 Gadgets, Freebies & Trips To Japan? Acer Day 2025 FTW!
Subscribe to our FREE In celebration of its 35th anniversary, Acer Malaysia has officially launched Acer Day 2025 — a nationwide tech party running from July 24 to September 30, themed #BreakALimit. The campaign also highlights AI-powered tools and smart devices in Acer's lineup, alongside collaborations with lifestyle and sports brands like Adidas to promote innovation, wellness, and fun. Acer Day 2025 is a celebration of pushing boundaries. We aim to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones and discover new possibilities with the support of our latest solutions. Our collaboration with sports brands also reflects our commitment to pushing the envelope in terms of innovation, while promoting community and the dynamic energy across the region. Acer Inc Pan Asia Pacific Operations President Andrew Hou. Expect a jam-packed Acer-vaganza filled with roadshows, flash sales, carnivals, and even a pickleball tournament, all designed to bring Malaysians together. 17 Cities, One Big Carnival The Acer Day Carnival kicks off in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, on July 24, then hits 17 cities across Malaysia throughout August — including Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Kuching, Bukit Mertajam, and Alor Setar. So be on the lookout for interactive product demos, games, giveaways, and of course, the Acer Day Flash Sale. Flash Deals from RM1.99! Yes, really! To celebrate, Acer's throwing out crazy-limited-time deals during the Acer Day Flash Sale, starting from just RM1.99, including: Acer Wired USB Mouse – RM1.99 (SRP RM30) Aspire Lite 14 Laptop – RM1,199 (SRP RM1,599) Acer Nitro V 15 Gaming Laptop – RM2,299 (SRP RM2,849) Acer Nitro KG270X1 Monitor – RM379 (SRP RM549) AOPEN QF23s LED Projector – RM399 (SRP RM649) Nitro Wireless Gaming Controller – RM79 (SRP RM199) Predator Gaming Chair – RM399 (SRP RM1,299) Acerpure CHEF KF1 Air Fryer – RM299 (SRP RM799) Plus, enjoy up to RM2,000 in savings on selected products, and redeem up to RM200 in Touch 'n Go eWallet credit. Six Words = Trip to Japan? Acer is also launching its 'Six-Word Challenge,' inviting Malaysians to describe their Acer experience in just six words. Prizes include: A pair of tickets to Japan for the VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) Pacific Stage 2 Finals — flights + hotel included Premium bicycles & gym gear RM200 Adidas e-vouchers And more — all from a RM150,000 prize pool Acer Pickleball Tournament to Award RM20,000 Scholarship In line with the campaign's active lifestyle theme, Acer will host its first-ever pickleball tournament for university students on August 3. The winning team will receive RM20,000 in scholarships, part of Acer's effort to promote health, sports, and community among Malaysian youth. Just Dropped: New Tech for Gamers & Neat Freaks Acer's not just throwing a party, they're also dropping fresh gear catering to both hardcore gamers and those who take cleaning really, really seriously. Predator X27U X2 OLED Gaming Monitor – RM1,999 Leading the pack is the Predator X27U X2, a 27-inch OLED monitor with WQHD resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and a lightning-fast 0.03ms response time. It supports HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort, making it ideal for both console and PC gamers seeking smooth, sharp visuals. Acer Nitro 50 Gaming Desktop – From RM4,399 If you're looking for a new gaming rig, check out the refreshed Acer Nitro 50, now with Intel Core Ultra processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics. There are two versions available: Intel Core Ultra 5 – RM4,399 Intel Core Ultra 7 – RM5,299 Acer Nitro TKL NKW129 Keyboard – RM149 Don't need a full-sized keyboard? The Nitro TKL NKW129 is a tenkeyless (meaning, without the numpad) gaming keyboard with 19-key anti-ghosting and 3-zone LED backlighting. It's compact, clean, and built for fast-paced play. Acerpure CLEAN V2 Vacuum – RM1,299 At just 1.37kg, this cordless vacuum includes: New Pet Mode and Pet Hair Brush 20,000Pa suction power Hair-free tech to avoid tangles One-touch dustbin release and washable HEPA filter Promo price: RM999, plus up to RM150 Touch 'n Go credit (valid until August 6). Acerpure COZY HF1 Fan – RM199 This compact fan features: Up to 13,000 RPM fan speed 100 adjustable speed settings 180° tilt, 6-hour battery life, USB-C charging Promo price: RM159, with up to RM20 eWallet credit. Acer Swift Edge 14 AI – RM7,999 A premium, AI-powered laptop weighing under 1kg with a 3K OLED display and long battery life. Bonus: Purchases from July 23 to August 6 come with gifts and a chance to win prizes. AOpen QF23s Smart Portable Projector – RM649 A compact, travel-friendly projector with built-in speakers. Promo price: RM559 from July 24 to September 30. Acer PM161QT Portable Touch Display – RM499 A 15.6-inch slim Full HD portable touchscreen for productivity on the go. Promo price: RM459, valid July 24 to September 30. Acer EK1 Monitor Series – From RM359 New high-refresh-rate monitors ranging from 23.8-inch to 27-inch, priced between RM359 and RM429. Bonus: Purchases between July 24 and September 9 come with a free wireless optical mouse. Bonus Time: Free Gifts & Another Chance to Win a Trip to Japan From July 23 to August 6, buyers of the Nitro 50 will get a Nitro Wireless Gaming Controller and Touch 'n Go eWallet credit. Buying the Nitro keyboard? You'll get a Nitro Mouse for free. And here's the big one. If you purchase either the Predator X27U X2 or Nitro 50 before September 30, you'll be in the running to win weekly prizes and the grand prize, a trip to Japan for the VCT Pacific Stage 2 Finals. For more information on what's happening throughout Acer Day 2025, visit Acer Malaysia's Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Barnama
FWD Insurance Sponsors 40 Digital Smartboards For Schools Under PPD Keramat
KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- FWD Insurance Berhad (FWD Insurance) has announced a RM400,000 sponsorship to deliver 40 digital smartboards to 35 schools under the Keramat District Education Office (PPD). In a statement, FWD Insurance said the initiative, which aligns with the Ministry of Education's (MOE) digitalisation agenda, aims to equip students with critical financial knowledge and digital learning tools from an early age. The official handover was led by FWD Insurance Chief Executive Officer Mak See Sen, together with Deputy District Education Officer (Curriculum Sector), Mohd Helmy Abdul Najib. 'The smartboard distribution aligns with Thrusts 4 and 6 of MOE Digital Education Policy, which aim to empower strategic partners to equip schools with appropriate infrastructure for the implementation of digital learning. 'The policy also supports Keramat PPD's Bring Your Own Device to School (BYODS) Programme, which has been in place since 2021,' the statement said. To date, the smartboards have already been installed across the participating schools, and students are actively using them in their learning, said FWD Insurance. 'These devices serve as key tools to promote the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom, further underscoring FWD Insurance's dedication to making financial education accessible to all,' it said. Meanwhile, Mak said it is FWD Insurance's vision to change the way people feel about insurance and to shape children's mindsets toward planning for their financial future. 'We are committed to equipping primary and secondary school students with essential financial literacy skills that will stay with them throughout their lives,' he said.
