Sabah is planning to establish a network of 25 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) centres across the state as part of its ambition to become East Malaysia’s leading hub for STEM education.
The Sabah Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said the proposal was presented during a STEM Empowerment Meeting on Monday by Universiti Malaya STEM Centre Director Professor Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar and National STEM Association President Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Noraini Idris.
The proposal received support from the ministry’s Minister, Datuk James Ratib, who expressed the state’s intention to move forward with the initiative.
Under the proposal, a main Sabah STEM Centre would be established in Kota Kinabalu, supported by 24 district-level STEM centres across the state to improve access to science and technology education, particularly for students in rural and remote areas.
The project is estimated to cost RM195 million, comprising RM75 million for the construction of the state headquarters in Kota Kinabalu and RM120 million for the development of the 24 district centres.
According to the proposal, the network aims to nurture future talent in key technology fields, including artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, drones, programming, the Internet of Things (IoT), green technology and innovation. The initiative is designed to support the demands of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the digital economy and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda.
The proposed Sabah STEM Centre in Kota Kinabalu will house specialised facilities such as a STEM Teacher Training Academy, AI Laboratory, Robotics Laboratory, Drone Laboratory, Digital Fabrication Laboratory, Makerspace, Student Startup Incubator, Science Exhibition Centre, Digital Studio and a Sabah STEM Data Centre.
Each district STEM centre is expected to feature modern learning facilities, including AI, robotics, drone and programming laboratories, electronics and IoT labs, 3D printing facilities, multimedia studios, Makerspaces, virtual reality (VR/AR) rooms and mini science galleries.
The proposal also outlines a series of talent development programmes, including the Sabah Robotics Championship, Sabah Drone Challenge, Sabah AI Challenge, Digital Maker Festival, Science Camp, Girls in STEM initiative, Green Technology Programme, Space Science Programme, Junior Engineer Programme and AI for Kids.
Over the next five years, the state aims to engage 500,000 students, train 20,000 teachers in STEM education, produce 10,000 innovation projects, organise 500 STEM competitions, establish 100 industry partnerships and help create 500 student-led technology start-ups.
