SERIAN: The 2025 Astronomy Tour has set a new benchmark in promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education among Sarawak’s younger generation, drawing strong participation from students and teachers across the state.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the event reflects Sarawak’s growing interest in astronomy and science learning through interactive and experiential methods.
“This year marks a special milestone for us, as Sarawak has been chosen as one of the key destinations for programme following its successful implementation in Sabah back in 2022,” he said.
He said this in his speech at the closing ceremony of 2025 Astronomy Tour held at the Serian Conference Centre (SCC) yesterday (Oct13).
Sagah added that the programme recorded more than 1,000 visitors and participation from over 15 schools in both Lundu and Serian, which clearly demonstrates the enthusiasm among students and the local community.
“The programme stands out for its creative and inclusive approach, giving visitors a ‘santai’ (relaxed) picnic-style experience while learning about the sun, planets, and celestial objects through fun, hands-on activities such as the Mini Planetarium, Virtual Reality (VR) Planet Exploration, Observation Sessions, and DIY Rocket Workshops.
“These activities are essential in nurturing scientific curiosity and building a strong foundation for STEM learning among Sarawakian youths,” he said.
He further highlighted that the programme’s objectives align with the state’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to create a knowledge-based and innovation-driven society.
“It is noted that, as of this year, Sarawak’s STEM enrolment stands at 50.8 percent, based on data from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) data — a promising achievement towards the target of 60 percent STEM enrolment by 2030.
“This milestone reflects our continued efforts to prepare a generation equipped with the knowledge, skills, and digital competency needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape,” he said.
Sagah also expressed hope that the programme would continue to inspire youth to reach higher, dream bigger, and innovate for the future of Sarawak,” he said.
The 2025 Astronomy Tour programme is an initiative organised by the National Planetarium, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak.
It was first held in CENTEXS Lundu on Oct 9, followed by the closing ceremony at SCC here, with the aim of expanding public knowledge of astronomy and enhancing understanding of space science through observation activities, exhibitions, and interactive workshops.
The programme was also jointly organised with the support of the National Science Centre, Sarawak State Education Department, Teachers’ Training Institute of Tun Abdul Razak Campus in Kota Samarahan, Petrosains Sarawak, Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), Sarawak Science Centre, Department of Mufti, and Dark Sky Malaysia.
