KUCHING: Sarawak’s aspiration to become a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and aerospace begins with inspiring the next generation, as hundreds of students gathered for the third edition of the STEM Exploration Carnival (STEM3.0) at SK Combined.
Organised by the N8 Satok Educational Bureau in collaboration with SK Combined, the carnival themed ‘STEM BLAST: Igniting AI and Aerospace Dreams’ brought together pupils from primary and secondary schools within the Satok constituency as well as invited schools from across Kuching Division for a day of interactive learning centred on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The programme featured exhibitions, hands-on activities and emerging technologies, with one of its highlights being a model rocket-launching challenge involving Year Six pupils from four participating primary schools.
Before taking part in the launch, the students underwent theoretical and practical laboratory sessions conducted by senior lecturers from the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
Political Secretary to the Premier and Chairman of the Satok Educational Bureau, Abdul Samat Gany, said the carnival was more than an educational programme.
He described it as an initiative aligned with Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision of preparing young Sarawakians for industries that will shape the future economy.
“This event is designed to be a highly informative platform that brings together young students for a full day of interactive educational engagement, with a focus on STEM, artificial intelligence and aerospace-related innovations such as rockets and space technologies,” he said.
Abdul Samat said exposing students to these fields at an early age would help cultivate curiosity while encouraging creativity, innovation and critical thinking.
“AI and aerospace are no longer ‘pie in the sky’ ambitions but strategic transformative economic drivers that will propel Sarawak towards a future of sustainable economic growth, technological advancement and stronger global competitiveness, while opening new frontiers of opportunities for the younger generation,” he said.
Abdul Samat said embracing these technologies was no longer optional but a strategic necessity as Sarawak positions itself to remain competitive amid rapid technological advancement and global economic uncertainties.
“By leveraging the space domain, Sarawak stands to unlock vast economic opportunities that could fundamentally transform the state’s future economy and ensure it remains ahead of the curve in navigating the future economy,” he said.
At the same time, Abdul Samat said the state government had already begun taking concrete steps to advance into the new strategic frontier through various initiatives, including the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which places significant emphasis on STEM-related programmes.
“The Free Tertiary Education Scheme introduced by the state government has so far benefited more than 4,000 Sarawakian students with government spending exceeding hundreds of millions of ringgit.
“This highlights the state government’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce capable of meeting future industry demands,” he said.
Building on the success of the previous editions held in 2022 and 2024, Abdul Samat said STEM3.0 was intended to go beyond simply showcasing science-related projects.
“STEM3.0 is a timely initiative in advocating the Premier’s aspiration of positioning Sarawak at the forefront of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and aerospace advancement while helping to build new experiences, wider exposure and greater interest among young innovators and aspiring explorers of emerging technologies,” he added.
