Sarawak sets the standard for National Science Week 2025
Mohammad Fuad speaks to reporters at the event. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (May 5): Sarawak's excellence in education and scientific innovation has earned it the role of benchmark for National Science Week 2025.
In saying this, National Science Centre director Mohammad Fuad Rahman said Sarawak was chosen to begin this year's celebrations not only because of its outstanding track record in education, but also its leadership in fields such as hydrogen technology.
'Sarawak is one of the most exemplary states, not just in education, but also in science. For example, its hydrogen technology efforts are a testament to that.
'We want Sarawak to be the benchmark for other states. If Sarawak can achieve this, then so can others,' he told reporters during the launch of the program at the Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan campus last night.
Sarawak will also host the Borneo Science Expedition, a key initiative under National Science Week.
The travelling science roadshow will bring interactive exhibitions and educational kits to more than 50 schools across 30 locations in rural and urban areas, with a strong focus on inclusivity and access for students from all backgrounds.
In 2025, the expedition will focus on what has been termed the 'tail' of Borneo, covering 10 districts around Kuching and culminating in Tawau, Sabah.
The plan is to expand to central Sarawak in 2026 and the far ends of the state in 2027, forming a structured, phased approach compared to previous years' broader coverage.
The expedition features partnerships with key science agencies including the National Planetarium, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, and Petrosains, while the education kits are sponsored by Yayasan Mr DIY.
The programme will also emphasise teacher development, offering science and mathematics training workshops alongside student activities.
A unique feature of the expedition is the Exhibition Bus, a mobile Mini National Science Centre that will bring 20 science exhibits directly to schools in remote areas, enabling students to engage with science in ways they might otherwise miss.
Kuching's launch signals the start of National Science Week, which runs from May through November, aiming to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) across Malaysia. lead Mohammad Fuad Rahman National Science Week 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Experts warn of fire risk from cheap power banks
KUALA LUMPUR: Low-quality power banks pose a serious risk to users as they are more prone to overheating, which can lead to fires or even explosions, warns an expert. Electrical engineer Associate Professor Dr Mohamad Fahmi Hussin said low-quality power banks, which are cheap and easily available, are characterised by poor internal design, reused battery cells and a lack of safety mechanisms. Fahmi, a senior lecturer at Universiti Teknologi Mara's (UiTM) Faculty of Electrical Engineering, said such devices often lack battery management systems, which are crucial for preventing overheating, overcharging and short circuits. "Without a battery management system, lithium-ion cells can enter thermal runaway — an uncontrolled, self-heating process that can lead to fires or explosions," he said. Fahmi added that some manufacturers use recycled or second-hand cells salvaged from discarded laptops or e-bikes. These cells degrade over time and may develop hidden internal faults. "No amount of circuitry can fully compensate for a poor-quality cell. "Such deterioration may not be visible externally, but it increases the risk of internal short circuits, thermal runaway, or unpredictable charging behaviour." Fahmi also said that placing power banks in enclosed spaces such as handbags or glove compartments may expose them to heat stress, especially if they lack effective temperature cut-offs. Universiti Malaya's Centre for Ionics physicist Dr Mohd Zieauddin Kufian said leaking battery electrolyte from degraded cells could ignite when exposed to air or moisture. "Low-end units may not tolerate high temperatures. In a hot car, battery swelling or leakage could lead to chemical fires or small explosions," he said. Zieauddin added that many cheap power banks carry fake capacity labels, with some units delivering less than half of their advertised output. He urged regulators to mandate certification and adopt recognized safety standards. These include MS IEC 62133, which tests battery design to prevent overheating and internal faults, and UN 38.3, which ensures batteries are safe for storage and transport under conditions of pressure, heat, and impact. To combat counterfeit safety markings, Zieauddin proposed a mobile verification system using QR codes linked to a central certification database. "This step can help prevent users from being deceived by fake certification labels and provide quick access to authentic information regarding product safety," he said.
The Star
15-05-2025
- The Star
Science week targets rural participation
National Science Week (MSN) is reaching out to students in rural and remote areas through the MSN carnival, Kembara Sains Borneo and Rehlah Sains programmes. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the programme aimed to spark students' interest in science and technology, particularly among those with limited access to these fields. 'Thirty rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak have been selected for this initiative, which is expected to benefit around 30,000 students,' he said after launching National Science Week 2025 in Kota Samarahan, Sarawak. In his speech, Chang said MSN, now in its eighth edition, reflected the ministry's commitment to embedding science, technology and innovation into the daily lives of all Malaysians. He added that the initiative would be extended to grassroots communities through the implementation of on-ground programmes throughout Malaysia, as reported by Bernama. Themed 'Democratising Science, Humanising Technology, Mainstreaming Innovation', MSN 2025 emphasises inclusive participation in advancing scientific innovation in step with rapid technological progress, and runs until the end of the year.
Daily Express
09-05-2025
- Daily Express
Igniting Stem interest crucial for high-tech Malaysia goal: Yusof
Published on: Friday, May 09, 2025 Published on: Fri, May 09, 2025 By: Azmie Lim Text Size: Yusof and some pupils try a virtual reality (VR) device to view the planets. LAHAD DATU: Igniting interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) among the younger generation is key to realising Malaysia's goal of becoming a high-tech nation by 2030, said Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohd Yusof Apdal. He said Stem carnivals like the one held in Lahad Datu are vital in nurturing talent by providing informal, interactive and engaging learning experiences for students. The event, organised by SJKC Sin Wah in collaboration with the National Planetarium and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, featured exhibitions, workshops, and hands-on activities such as solar observation and virtual reality. Yusof noted that Mosti continues to push science, technology and innovation (STI) outreach across urban and rural schools nationwide through programmes like National Science Week and the STI 100³ initiative. He added that such efforts support the National STIE Policy 2021–2030 and must be expanded to ensure no student is left behind in the pursuit of scientific excellence. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
