KUCHING: Bidayuh participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education remains low despite Sarawak’s target of achieving 60 per cent STEM enrolment by 2030.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the community was still underrepresented in science-based and highly skilled sectors needed for the state’s future economic development.
“I’m quite sad to see that despite the fact that our state policy wants to see 60 per cent STEM students by the year 2030, Bidayuh participation is still very few,” he said at the 11th Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) Triennial General Assembly (TGA) welcoming dinner here on Friday night (May 8).
Sagah said the community should not be complacent or rely on perceptions that many Bidayuh were already highly educated.
“Don’t be fooled by what people tell you, that we are 50 per cent well-educated. Don’t listen to people who tell you that we have more people with PhDs.
“But even if you have a PhD, let it be something useful to mankind, not just to yourself,” he said.
He said Sarawak’s economic direction increasingly depended on science and technical expertise, particularly in industries linked to hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, veterinary science, satellite technology and artificial intelligence.
“To be a doctor, you need science. To be a veterinarian, you also need science,” he said.
Sagah urged parents and communities to encourage greater interest in STEM subjects among younger generations if they wanted to see faster progress within the Bidayuh community.
“If we want to see our community progress very fast, that is the only way. Take more serious attention towards STEM education,” he said.
He also stressed that STEM education was not limited to university degree pathways, saying Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes also played an important role in producing skilled workers.
Sagah said the state government had introduced initiatives such as robotics competitions, Bright Spark programmes and collaborations with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (PETROS) and Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) to expose students to technical careers and industry opportunities.
“If you don’t have good results, there are also ways through TVET. Skills certificates can still bring you into industries that are in demand,” he said.
He also encouraged parents to expose children to mathematics and science from a young age, saying the community should aspire to take part in future industries, including satellite development and advanced technologies.
