KUCHING: Standing beneath a giant globe of the Earth, coming face-to-face with an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, exploring interactive science exhibits and uncovering the wonders of Sarawak’s biodiversity are among the experiences awaiting visitors at the newly launched Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX).
Officially inaugurated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on Wednesday, the centre marks another major milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education while inspiring curiosity through interactive learning.
Located at Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, SSCiEX is the state’s first large-scale interactive science centre and has been developed as an experiential learning hub where visitors of all ages can discover science through exploration, experimentation and hands-on experiences.
Built on a 10.97-acre site with a five-storey main building, the centre houses more than 400 interactive exhibits across 22 galleries, blending global scientific concepts with Sarawak’s rich biodiversity, natural heritage and emerging technologies.
Visitors are taken on a journey through galleries that combine science with Sarawak’s unique identity.
Along the way, they can explore the Wonder of Science gallery, discover the Sarawak Delta Geopark, learn about Earth and geology, explore Borneo’s biodiversity, experiment with chemistry, and enjoy interactive attractions such as the Bubble exhibit, Waterplay zone and the dramatic Fire Tornado demonstration.
One of the centre’s biggest highlights is the Dinosaur Gallery, where visitors can encounter an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex alongside Malaysia’s first Spinosauridae exhibit while learning about prehistoric life through interactive displays.
The experience continues with galleries dedicated to energy and heat, forces and mechanics, light and sound, electricity and magnetism, and communication technologies, allowing visitors to discover how scientific principles shape the world around them.
Visitors can also explore exhibits on DNA, food and nutrition, alongside a range of interactive displays designed to encourage curiosity, experimentation and problem-solving.
Beyond the indoor galleries, learning extends outdoors through interactive installations such as the Kinetic Wind Sculpture, Azimuthal Sundial and Analemmatic Sundial, allowing visitors to experience science in an open-air environment.
To support education and research, SSCiEX features five specialised laboratories covering chemistry, DNA, food and nutrition, together with two Maker Spaces where students can experiment, innovate and develop practical problem-solving skills.
Recognising that many schools travel from across Sarawak, the centre also includes hostel facilities capable of accommodating up to 150 students for overnight STEM programmes, allowing participants to take part in immersive science camps and educational workshops.
Supporting facilities include an auditorium seating between 150 and 200 people for science shows, workshops and talks, a 98-seat mini auditorium, theatre, café, science-themed souvenir shop and parking facilities comprising 559 car bays, 218 motorcycle bays and 15 bus bays.
Developed based on a Strategic Master Plan by Science Centre Singapore, SSCiEX is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), serving students, teachers, researchers, families and the wider community.
Described as more than a science centre, SSCiEX has been established as a living laboratory where visitors can explore how science connects with Sarawak’s biodiversity, rainforest ecosystem and emerging technologies while inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators and researchers.
Following its official launch, SSCiEX will officially open to the public on Aug 4, with admission fees and operating hours to be announced in due course.
