KUCHING: Sarawak is stepping up efforts to strengthen STEM education with the expansion of the National Robotics Competition (NRC) Development Programme 2026, involving 60 schools across the state.
According to Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the initiative aims to widen access to robotics education while nurturing future-ready talent in line with the state’s long-term development goals.
The programme, organised by the Sarawak State Education Department in collaboration with the ministry, will see 30 primary and 30 secondary schools from various districts equipped with robotic kits and structured training support.
“This programme is a significant step towards expanding robotics education across Sarawak and ensuring our students are equipped with the skills needed for the future,” he said when officiating the presentation of robotic kits held at the Sarawak State Library today (April 23).
The initiative builds on the success of its pilot phase in 2025, which involved 13 district education offices and recorded full participation at the state-level competition.
Sagah said the encouraging results, including multiple Top 5 finishes by participating schools, demonstrate the strong potential of Sarawak students when provided with the right exposure and guidance.
“These achievements clearly show that our students have immense potential when given the proper support, resources and mentorship,” he added.
Sarawak continues to assert its strength in robotics, having emerged as overall national champion 10 times between 2014 and 2025.
At the national level, several Sarawak schools recorded outstanding performances while at the international stage, the state contributed significantly to Malaysia’s overall victory at the World Robot Olympiad (WRO) Finals 2025.
Sagah said the achievements reinforce Sarawak’s ambition to host the WRO 2027 and position the state as a regional hub for robotics and innovation.
“This reflects our commitment to nurturing world-class STEM talent and strengthening Sarawak’s position in science and technology education,” he reiterated.
Under the 2026 programme, participating schools will also undergo Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops conducted by Sasbadi to ensure that teachers are well prepared to guide students.
The programme will culminate in the NRC State Level 2026 competition scheduled to take place from July 27 to 30 in Sibu.
Sagah emphasised that robotics education goes beyond technical skills, focusing on developing students’ critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities.
“Robotics is not just about building machines, but about preparing our students with the competencies needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world,” he said.
“STEM education is key to building a future-ready workforce capable of supporting Sarawak’s growth in high-technology and knowledge-based industries.”
