KUCHING: The newly opened Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) is more than an interactive attraction – it represents Sarawak’s long-term investment in developing the next generation of scientists who will drive the state’s ambitions in hydrogen, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology and other advanced technologies.
Describing it as “the best science centre in Malaysia”, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said it was built not merely as an interactive attraction but as a strategic investment to cultivate future scientists and innovators capable of unlocking the full potential of Sarawak’s natural resources.
He said while Sarawak was blessed with abundant natural resources, its greatest challenge today was cultivating the scientific talent needed to transform those resources into innovations that would benefit both the state and the wider world.
“Our missing gap is we need scientists. We need young Sarawakians to be equipped with the latest technology and knowledge to make use of the resources that we have,” he said when officiating at the opening ceremony for SCCiEX today.
Abang Johari pointed out that producing more scientists begins by creating awareness of the importance of science, before nurturing curiosity and encouraging young people to pursue specialised fields such as physics, biology, chemistry and biodiversity research.
He said science should not be viewed merely as theories taught in classrooms, but as a continuous process of transforming raw materials into useful products through research, experimentation and innovation.
“Science means the whole process, from the raw material to whatever product they want to produce through scientific process.
“You must have the knowledge first. Second, you must create enthusiasm among our young people to know more about whatever they want to do — something new, something uncharted,” he said.
Describing human capital as Sarawak’s “true wealth”, Abang Johari said the state’s rich natural resources could only be fully harnessed if future generations possessed the scientific knowledge and creativity to unlock their full value.
“To our children, this is why the state government built this Science Centre. We want to produce a new generation of scientists.
“Whether their name is Ahmad or Paul, it does not matter. What matters is that they are able to help us face the challenges of today’s world,” he said.
Abang Johari said every scientist’s journey begins with curiosity, explaining that children may first be captivated by exhibits on dinosaurs before gradually developing an interest in subjects such as chemistry, physics, biodiversity and even hydrogen technology.
He said it is through that sense of wonder that young minds are inspired to explore new ideas and eventually pursue careers in science.
“The SSCiEX was designed to nurture that curiosity by allowing students to experience science beyond the classroom through interactive exhibits, laboratories and hands-on learning, while giving teachers an opportunity to reinforce classroom lessons with practical demonstrations and experiments.
“This is actually for them to be curious about what the world is all about,” he said.
The Premier said Sarawak’s vast rainforests, rich biodiversity and abundant water resources presented enormous opportunities for scientific research, particularly as the world searched for solutions to climate change, food security and sustainable development.
He expressed confidence that SSCiEX would inspire more young Sarawakians to pursue careers in science, technology and innovation, strengthening the talent pipeline needed to support Sarawak’s long-term economic transformation and positioning the state to remain competitive in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy.
