Kota Kinabalu: The State Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (KSTI) will make full use of the RM1.5 million allocation under 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for science infrastructure development in Sabah.
Its Minister Datuk Yakub Khan said the first Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) centre is at the Keningau State Library which is currently under construction and is expected to be operational by next year.
“Two Science Centres and Makers Space will be built in Tawau and Sandakan State Libraries, costing RM10.2 million fully funded by Petronas,” he said in his Ministry’s wind-up speech, at the State Legislative Assembly sitting, here.
To create a conducive STI learning environment, he said, the Ministry will continue the High School Science Laboratory Upgrade Programme, the Science Corner Construction Programme, and the Innovation Centre Construction Programme.
“KSTI has upgraded 16 science laboratories and built 16 science corners in schools.”
To ensure that the rate of student involvement in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) field can be improved, he said, the Ministry will continue with various STI-related programmes such as the Sabah Science Carnival, Astronomy Tour, Stem Fiesta, and Stem outreach programmes in collaboration with KSTI’s strategic partners.
“Next year, the Ministry will hold an SMJ KSTI Tour in six selected districts,” he said.
To produce technology-based entrepreneurs, he said, KSTI will continue and improve annual programmes such as Pitchborneo, SE Summit, Borneo Tech Summit, MyHackathon and My Start-Ups.
“Aside from that, the Ministry will also increase the involvement of social entrepreneurs to gain experience in programmes such as Buy for Impact and Borneo Native Festival.”
To attract youth interest in the creative industry, he said, the Ministry will continue the Sabah Screen Fest programme and Short Video Animation Competition related to STI.
“More youths will be trained at the Toon Boom Training Animation Centre at the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (Scenic),” he said.
To recognise and promote the culture of STI, he said, for the first-time next year, KSTI will organise the Sabah Science Awards Ceremony.
KSTI has been allocated a total of RM175.61 million in supply allocation and RM10.46 million in development allocation under 2023 State Budget.
“Through this budget, the Ministry can carry out its functions and roles in ensuring that the Internet connectivity programmes, the promotion of STI as well as human capital development are carried out in a sustainably,” he said.
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