SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), through its Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FSTS), has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Sarawak State Government’s vision of producing more local talents in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
This commitment was demonstrated through the ‘STEM – Science Junior Explorer’ programme held on Saturday at SMK Kota Samarahan, organised under the Sekolah Angkat MADANI (SAM) initiative.
The programme, coordinated by the UNIMAS Sustainability Centre, was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Finance under the SAM 2025 programme.
The event drew 80 students from Form 1 to Form 3, who eagerly participated in a series of fun, hands-on scientific activities designed by 10 lecturers from various disciplines, including zoological technology, resource biotechnology, chemistry, marine and freshwater biology, agrotechnology, and plant science.
Students explored specimens of plants, insects and animals, conducted fermentation experiments, and learned to test acidity levels using red cabbage, turning abstract scientific concepts into engaging real-world experiences.
The field team was led by Dr Ain Nadirah Romainor, and included Dr Lau Lik Ming, Dr Muhammad Redza Mohd Radzi, Dr Mugunthan Perumal, Dr Madinah Adrus, Dr Siti Nurlydia Sazali @ Piksin, Cik Ratnawati Hazali, Dr Nurashikin Suhaili, Dr Mohamad Hilmi Ibrahim, and Assoc. Prof. Dr Dayang Salwani Awang Adeni.
Ain explained that the programme’s approach focused on sparking students’ curiosity through active participation.
“Our strategy is to engage students by experimenting together while explaining scientific processes and everyday applications that they may not have realised before,” she said.
FSTS Dean, Prof. Ts. Dr Faisal Ali Anwar Khan, who was also present to lend his support, said the initiative reflects UNIMAS’ dedication to the state’s long-term talent development goals.
“Through this programme, we aim to be a key driver in realising UNIMAS’ aspiration and the Sarawak Government’s vision to nurture more STEM talents, starting from the primary and secondary levels,” he said.
The Sekolah Angkat Malaysia MADANI (SAMM) initiative was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on June 20, with SMK Kota Samarahan selected as UNIMAS’ adopted school under the programme.
The initiative targets several key outcomes, reducing student dropout rates through holistic approaches, strengthening academic and character development, improving STEM and digital learning skills, and fostering collaboration between universities, schools, and local communities.
