Long Lama, Baram – The STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme marked a major milestone today in SMK Long Lama, the 17th and largest stop of the statewide tour, drawing over 1,000 participants from across Baram’s rural schools. The event, held in conjunction with SMK Long Lama’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration, was graced by The Honourable Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD).
In his keynote speech, the Minister paid tribute to the school’s 60-year legacy in nurturing Baram’s future leaders and called on rural communities to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as the foundation for Sarawak’s next chapter.
“It is no longer acceptable to say that reading, writing and counting are enough for rural children. Our future depends on our ability to master science, technology and digital knowledge. You too can excel in coding and STEM regardless of your location.” said Dato Sri Roland.
The STEM Catalysts programme, implemented in partnership with University of Technology Sarawak and Sarawak Skills, is a one-day touring STEM carnival visiting 18 districts across Sarawak from April to July 2025. It brings engaging hands-on exhibits and interactive activities to more than 160 rural schools, exceeding its original target of 130, and has reached over 6,000 pupils to date.
In Baram, students travelled from as far as SK Long Lapok to participate in the programme at SMK Long Lama. Activities included robotics, drone racing, hydraulic systems, hydrogen experiments, AI-controlled arms, and coding education promoted by Persatuan Kebajikan Rolf Schnyder.
Students were guided by a team of 20 trained STEM communicators who brought the science behind each exhibit to life. Many students reportedly asked for longer sessions, and several teachers expressed interest in acquiring the exhibits for continued use at their schools.
“We’re thrilled to see that some teachers even purchased exhibits on the spot. This kind of grassroots enthusiasm is exactly what we hoped to spark.” He added.
Dato Sri Roland also highlighted ongoing state efforts to eliminate barriers to STEM education. Under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, students pursuing STEM degrees at state-owned universities receive full tuition waivers, while those from lowincome households are eligible for an annual RM15,000 stipend.
“This is your chance to step into the world of STEM and help shape a smarter, stronger Sarawak,” he told students.
The Minister extended appreciation to programme co-sponsors SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd, Press Metal Berhad, and Socoe Sdn Bhd, along with institutional partners Sarawak Skills, University of Technology Sarawak, Sarawak Science Centre, and Rolf Schnyder Foundation.
Dato Sri Roland also expressed how proud he was to see the efforts of Sarawak Skills in promoting STEM education among students in rural areas like Long Lama, adding that their commitment plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide and nurturing futureready talents across Sarawak. He also commended the strong support from Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Sarawak (JPNS) and Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM), expressing hope for continued collaboration.
As Sarawak pursues its 60% STEM enrolment target by 2030, YB Dato Sri Roland concluded with a challenge and a vision, “Today, we celebrate SMK Long Lama as a beacon of education. Tomorrow, let’s celebrate it as the bastion of STEM innovation in Baram.”
STEM Catalysts is part of MEITD’s broader strategy to boost STEM enrolment across Sarawak, which currently stands at 45.7%. Other initiatives include; The Hornbill Foundation’s “No Kid Left Behind” programme, delivering online STEM lessons via Starlink internet to 11 rural secondary schools, the collaboration with UNICEF through the future skills for all programme, training rural teachers and students in coding, and the SRDC BrightSparx Grant Programme, encouraging students to develop grounded, realworld innovation projects, with the best idea receiving the Premier’s BrightSparx Innovation Award.
Also presents were Datuk Francis Harden Hollis, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department, Dato’ Dennis Ngau, Telang Usan Assemblyman, Tuan Haji Adana bin Haji Jed, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak, and Mr. Mohamad Isham bin Fauzi, Chief Strategy Officer Sarawak Skills.
