LONG LAMA: Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, officiated the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi Programme 2025 at SMK Long Lama in conjunction with the school’s 60th Diamond Jubilee celebrations today.
In his speech, he stressed the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, as well as coding, for the younger generation of Sarawak, especially in rural areas.
“In my time, the library was my Google. But now, students need real digital skills such as coding and problem-solving to succeed in a technology-driven world,” he said.
He also stressed that modern education is not enough with just reading, writing, and arithmetic; rural students must take steps in STEM just like students in urban areas because they now have access to quality facilities and teachers.
“Therefore, my ministry (MEITD) is implementing the STEM Catalysts programme, which is a roadshow carnival that brings coding exhibitions and STEM activities to schools to educate, cultivate interest, and inspire students,” he added.
The STEM Catalysts Programme aims to foster early interest in coding systems among primary school students.
More than 6,000 students from 163 schools have participated in the programme since its launch.
“On behalf of MEITD, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) for their full support.
“I hope the collaboration between MEITD, JPNS, and KPM will continue to be strengthened for the benefit of all Sarawak students,” Sagah said.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis; Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring), Datuk Gerawat Gala; Telang Usan Assemblyman, Datuk Dennis Ngau; MEITD Permanent Secretary Adana Jed; and other guests.
