SEBUYAU: More than 260 students from 13 schools gathered at SJK Chung Hua Sebuyau for the STEM Catalysts 2026 programme, aimed at nurturing future-ready technological skills.
The initiative, hosted at the school, brought together educators, government representatives, and industry partners to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) exposure among rural students.
Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, stressed the importance of early STEM education particularly for rural students.
“By fostering early interest in STEM, it is a stimulus for students to engage more deeply with these subjects at advanced levels in the future,” he added.
Organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, the programme was held in collaboration with Sarawak Skills and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).
Also present were Loh Boon Piaw and Cikgu Ismail Suhai from the Simunjan District Education Office, reflecting strong institutional support for the initiative.
The programme aims to bridge gaps in STEM accessibility by offering hands-on activities, interactive demonstrations, and exposure to emerging technologies, particularly for students in underserved rural communities.
Highlighting future improvements, Julaihi encouraged organisers to expand participation across the district, noting that Sebuyau has 19 primary schools and one secondary school.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the organiser. Bringing students from all schools together would make future programmes more engaging and meaningful,” he said.
STEM Catalysts 2026 has been implemented across Kota Samarahan, Simunjan, and Betong, marking the final phase of its outreach in Sarawak’s southern region.
The programme continues to serve as a vital platform for cultivating innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills essential for participation in the evolving digital economy.
