KUCHING: The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) is set to strengthen international collaboration in science and technology through partnerships with overseas science centres, universities and research institutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of scientific learning as technology continues to evolve.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the SSCiEX was envisioned as more than a facility serving Sarawak or even Malaysia, but one that would engage with the wider global scientific community.
He said international collaboration was essential in ensuring the SSCiEX remained relevant in an era of rapid technological advancement, allowing it to continuously update its exhibits, programmes and learning experiences.
“This centre is not meant for Sarawak or Malaysia only, but for engagement with the world. If they are trying to find out something very sophisticated, then the SSCiEX can collaborate with Singapore or even Finland.
“We have many universities that we collaborate with,” he said when declaring open the SSCiEX today.
Abang Johari stressed that scientific knowledge continued to evolve rapidly, making it essential for institutions to learn from one another and embrace new technologies.
He pointed to i-CATS University College’s collaboration with institutions in Türkiye in the field of aerospace as an example of how Sarawak was already building international academic and research networks.
“Such partnerships would expose students, researchers and educators to new technologies and ideas while ensuring Sarawak remained connected to developments taking place around the world,” he said.
The commitment to expanding scientific collaboration was also reflected during the opening ceremony through a series of memorandum of understanding (MoU) exchanges involving SSCiEX and several strategic partners including Science Centre Singapore, Petrosains Sdn Bhd, Sarawak Metro Sdn Bhd, the National STEM Association (NSA) and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC).
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding with i-CATS University College whereas i-CATS University College also formalised a collaboration with Dassault Systèmes.
Abang Johari said the SSCiEX would continue evolving through partnerships with institutions possessing expertise in different scientific disciplines, ensuring visitors and students were exposed to the latest scientific discoveries and technological advancements.
He added that scientific progress was increasingly driven by international cooperation, particularly as countries worked together to address shared challenges such as climate change, renewable energy and sustainable development.
