NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 2025 REACHES RURAL STUDENTS THROUGH KEMBARA SAINS BORNEO

KOTA SAMARAHAN, May 4 (Bernama) -- The National Science Week (MSN), which starts today and runs until the end of the year, will reach out to students in rural and remote areas through the Kembara Sains Borneo programme.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the programme aims to spark students’ interest in science and technology, particularly among those with limited access to quality education.

“Thirty rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak have been selected for this initiative, which is expected to benefit around 30,000 students, with 14 schools in Sarawak and 16 in Sabah,” he told reporters after launching the 2025 National Science Week at the Universiti Teknologi MARA campus here tonight.

In his speech, Chang noted that this year marks the eighth edition of the event since it was first introduced in 2018.

“This initiative reflects MOSTI’s ongoing commitment to embedding science, technology, and innovation into the daily lives of all Malaysians,” he said.

“To maintain the momentum of past successes, MOSTI is continuing its comprehensive approach to MSN by extending physical activities to grassroots communities through on-ground programmes across much of Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia,” said Chang.

He added that the implementation of MSN aligns with the Malaysia MADANI vision, which emphasises creativity, one of the six key pillars of MADANI, aimed at preparing the nation by adopting advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, automation and big data.

“Due to the positive response last year, MOSTI is targeting over 300,000 participants for MSN 2025, with more than 50 engaging activities planned to ensure the programme remains impactful, relevant and inclusive for all target groups,” he said.

Chang also noted that the MADANI government is committed to strengthening the STEM talent pipeline in line with national efforts to produce more local professionals and achieve high-tech nation status by 2030.

With the theme ‘Democratising Science, Humanising Technology, Mainstreaming Innovation’, MSN 2025 emphasises inclusive participation in advancing scientific innovation in step with rapid technological progress.

-- BERNAMA