SAMARAHAN: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch is strengthening STEM education and talent development through Science Castle Malaysia 2026, a platform for students to showcase science projects and innovation.
Its rector, Prof Dr Firdaus Abdullah, said the programme brings together young talents to present their work through competitions, presentations and poster exhibitions.
“This event is a platform for young talents, our future scientists, to showcase their science projects through presentations and poster displays,” he said during the opening ceremony at Dewan Jubli UiTM Sarawak Branch yesterday (Apr 16).
Firdaus said the university is working closely with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, industry partners and schools to ensure STEM education remains a priority in Sarawak’s development.
He added that UiTM has introduced several initiatives to strengthen STEM learning, including establishing STEM laboratories in schools across the state and organising design thinking workshops for teachers.
“These efforts are aimed at moving beyond traditional teaching methods towards more interactive approaches that can increase students’ interest in STEM subjects,” he said.
Firdaus emphasised that early exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics at primary and secondary school levels is crucial in encouraging students to pursue science-related programmes at university.
He also highlighted UiTM’s scale as Malaysia’s largest university, with 34 campuses nationwide and about 200,000 students, including nearly 10,000 in Sarawak.
“About half of UiTM Sarawak’s academic programmes are STEM-related, with around 5,000 students currently enrolled in these fields,” he said.
