KUCHING – More science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programmes should be brought directly into communities in Batu Kitang to give children greater exposure to practical learning and emerging technologies, Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Ir. Lo Khere Chiang has said.
Speaking at the Kimia ke Desa x TEGAS STEM Playground 2026 at the Kampung Semeba Multipurpose Hall, Lo said early exposure to STEM could help children understand how science and technology relate to everyday life and future career opportunities.
The programme was organised by the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, Sarawak, in collaboration with Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS). Its community-based approach brought STEM activities closer to children outside conventional classroom settings.
Lo said rapid developments in areas including artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology and digital technology were changing the skills required in many parts of society and the economy.
He said STEM education should therefore not be viewed solely as preparation for careers such as medicine, engineering or scientific research. Basic scientific knowledge, he added, could also be applied in communities and in practical areas of daily life.
Among the examples he highlighted were understanding soil conditions, assessing water quality, using fertilisers appropriately and managing pests. Such applications, he said, demonstrated how scientific principles could have relevance beyond formal academic study.
The STEM Playground approach was also highlighted as a way of encouraging children to learn through direct participation. Rather than relying only on classroom explanations, participants were given opportunities to observe demonstrations, conduct activities, ask questions and work through problems.
Lo said this form of learning could encourage curiosity while allowing children to understand scientific concepts through their own experiences.
He also called for continued attention to education and human capital development in Batu Kitang, saying children in the constituency should have opportunities to access quality educational activities and learn about new technologies.
The assemblyman said greater exposure could also help young people understand the range of STEM-related careers available to them as they progress through their education.
He said children should be encouraged to take an active role in technology rather than becoming only consumers of technological products and services. The emphasis, he said, should include developing their ability to create, solve problems and explore new ideas.
Lo further pointed to cooperation between the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), the Department of Chemistry Malaysia, the Sarawak Government and TEGAS as an important avenue for expanding STEM opportunities for young Sarawakians.
He encouraged participants to remain willing to ask questions, experiment and learn from unsuccessful attempts. In his view, trial and error forms part of the learning process, while curiosity can encourage further exploration and discovery.
He also expressed hope that programmes of this nature could inspire participating children to pursue careers as scientists, engineers, doctors, researchers, technology specialists and innovators.
Lo thanked the programme organisers, government officers, teachers, facilitators, volunteers and parents involved in supporting the event.
He said similar community-based STEM initiatives should continue and reach more children and communities in the future.
The broader objective, he said, was to provide young Sarawakians with opportunities to develop scientific and technological literacy alongside skills such as creativity, problem-solving and innovation. – Sarawak Daily
