KUCHING: A state leader has brushed aside suggestions that additional components be incorporated into the current focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee feels it is best to maintain the present emphasis on these subjects.
“Some have proposed adding the letter ‘R’ to represent reading or research, while others have suggested adding an ‘A’ for arts. However, personally, I prefer STEM to remain as it is,” he said.
According to Dr Annuar, mastery of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics is key to securing the nation’s future.
“In my view, the one essential thing that can truly help us in the future is having strong knowledge in these four core fields,” he added.
He was speaking at the Borneo International Innovation and Creativity Championship (BIICC) 2025 award ceremony held at Dewan Majma’ Tunku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah here, yesterday.
Dr Annuar stressed that innovation is a crucial area that must be prioritised as humanity faces a rapidly changing and increasingly challenging global environment.
“We not only need to adapt to challenges and changes, but also need to create solutions in order to stay ahead and address the problems we face,” he said.
He also highlighted climate change as one of the major issues currently affecting Sarawak, and potentially worsening in the future.
“Whatever we plan to implement must be aligned with the environment. If not, we will be out of sync with nature, and eventually, our actions may become a burden to the environment itself. This is why innovation is so important,” he explained.
He said that BIICC 2025 aligns with the Sarawak government’s efforts to strengthen STEM education and supports the broader goals of Sarawak Maju 2030, as outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
At the event, Dr Annuar expressed appreciation to the organisers for selecting Sarawak as the host for BIICC 2025, noting that it was the first time the event was being held in the state.
“It is truly an honour for Sarawak to host such a significant event,” he said.
The event from June 26-30 was organised by the Sarawak Teachers’ Aspiration Organisation (PAGS), in collaboration with the Malaysia Young Scientists Organisation (MYSO).
According to PAGS, it attracted over 500 participants from across Malaysia, along with entries from more than 10 other countries.
The event recorded over 1,000 online submissions, making it one of the largest student innovation platform in the Borneo region this year.
