KOTA SAMARAHAN: Science should be seen as a bridge that connects communities and drives progress, not something confined to laboratories or textbooks, said Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah.
He said this at the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) and Sarawak Science Centre Open Day held at the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) here today.
“The theme ‘Connecting Communities Through Science and Research’ is not just a slogan — it is the very essence of our mission,” he said.
Sagah said the event reflected Sarawak’s belief that science serves as a means to solve local challenges while uniting diverse communities through shared knowledge and innovation.
He pointed out that initiatives such as the SIDC and Sarawak Science Centre are critical pillars of the Sarawak Maju Makmur agenda, which is guided by the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“The strategy is our blueprint for transforming Sarawak into a thriving society driven by data and innovation where everyone enjoys economic prosperity and social inclusivity,” he said.
At its core, he added, the PCDS 2030 focuses on human capital development and digital transformation to achieve a high-income, sustainable economy by 2030.
Sagah also noted that the government aims to nurture a strong STEM talent pipeline, targeting 60 per cent student enrolment in STEM fields by 2030.
He highlighted the PhenomeSk initiative as an example of Sarawak’s forward-looking commitment to science and research.
“The initiative aims to position SIDC and Sarawak as a global research hub for phenomic development and innovation.
“Over the next five years, the programme will establish a comprehensive population-based database, a pathogen database and a biological materials repository,” he explained.
He said these efforts not only prepare Sarawak for the future but also empower youths with future-ready skills, foster innovation tailored to local needs, and strengthen the state’s public health resilience.
Sagah also urged students and the public to take full advantage of the Open Day by engaging with scientists and discovering ongoing research efforts.
“Science is a collaborative journey, and it is a journey we must embark on together.
“Sarawak must continue working hand-in-hand to remain a leader in science and technology in line with the Sarawak Maju Makmur vision,” he added.
Also present during the ceremony were Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, permanent secretary to the Ministry Datuk Adana Jed, chief executive officer of Sarawak Infection Diseases Centre (SIDC) Professor Dr Ivan Yap and other distinguished guest.
