05-05-2025
Kembara Sains Borneo 2025 to focus on ‘Tip of Borneo' in new outreach strategy
Mohammad Fuad being interviewed by the reporters at the launch of National Science Week 2025 in UiTM Samarahan Campus. — Photo by Jude Toyat
KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 5): The Kembara Sains Borneo, run as part of the National Science Week initiative, is set to take a more structured approach this year by concentrating on its 'Tip of Borneo' outreach, which covers selected areas in southern Sarawak and ends in Tawau, Sabah.
This marks the programme's third year of bringing science education directly to the underserved communities, particularly students and teachers in the remote pockets across Sarawak and Sabah.
Speaking to reporters at the launch of National Science Week 2025 at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Samarahan Campus here on Sunday night, National Science Centre director Mohammad Fuad Rahman said the new regional focus would allow the team to maximise the impact and streamline all logistics.
'In the previous years, we travelled across the entire length of Sarawak, from Kuching to Miri.
'But for 2025, we're focusing on what we call the 'Ekor Borneo' (Tip of Borneo) involving 10 districts around Kuching, before ending in Tawau.
'This approach allows for better planning and ensures that the schools in this zone get more attention and quality engagement,' he said.
The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), is designed to provide hands-on science learning opportunities for primary and secondary school students.
It also includes professional development programs for Science and Mathematics teachers – a key component emphasised by the organisers.
Set to involve more than 50 schools across 30 locations, Kembara Sains Borneo 2025 receives the support from strategic partners including the National Planetarium, Academy of Sciences Malaysia, Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, and Petrosains.
The programme is also sponsored by Yayasan Mr DIY, which is providing educational kits for the participating students.
One of the main attractions is the 'Exhibition Bus', described as a 'Mini National Science Centre', featuring 20 mobile exhibits.
The bus will travel to the participating schools, giving students in the remote areas a chance to engage in interactive science displays similar to those found at the National Science Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
'This year, we are bringing the experience directly to them,'
'Our aim is to ensure that even students who may never have the opportunity to visit a science centre can still be inspired by science and innovation,' said Mohammad Fuad.
Sarawak was selected as the starting point for the programme due to its track record in science and innovation, including leadership in hydrogen technology.
'We want Sarawak to serve as a benchmark for other states. What Sarawak has achieved in science and education, other states can also aspire to,' he added.
Officially kicked off on May 3, the National Science Week 2025 will run until November.
