Unimas urged to focus on science and technology

Sarawak’s government urges Universiti Malaysia Sarawak to spearhead effort to achieve STEM objectives and reach out to rural communities.

In accordance with the objectives of the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak is expected to cooperate with Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (Tegas) in steps to fulfil science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education objectives. The call came from Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

The substantial value of such programmes will contribute significantly to the quality of education and support to societal and industrial needs in state and national development.

In the 9th International Unimas STEM Engineering Conference (EnCon) 2016, it was announced that the pathways to reach out to communities are being established and facilitated by the state government, Tegas, and Unimas. The university and its collaborators plan to reach out to students in rural areas to educate them about the importance of picking up various skills and encourages them to take part in various training programmes to improve whatever skills and interests these students have. Additionally, providing scholarships is an essential part of such programmes to elevate rural communities who are largely in the lower income bracket.

The initiative under the Malaysian Blueprint 2013-2025 has, among its objectives, plans to equip students with scientific and technical skills to face the challenges that lie ahead. Moreover, Malaysia must ensure that there is a sufficient number of graduates with the appropriate qualifications in the areas concerning STEM. Those graduates must be prepared and ready to be absorbed into the workforce within a short period after their graduation.

With the subject matter 'Innovative Solutions for Engineering Technology Challenges', this year's EnCon had presented its alignment with the Education Ministry's mission and vision and the government of Sarawak to engage with non-government bodies and industries to work together with researchers, engineers, industry players and academics to innovate and invent and be part of the national progress.