Kota Kinabalu: Playsmart Kota Kinabalu at the Sabah State Library Headquarters in Luyang, here, is set to reopen today (Thursday) after a closure to facilitate upgrades.
Petrosains Sdn Bhd CEO Ezarisma Azni Mohamad said Playsmart Kota Kinabalu now showcases new and improved features.
Among them are a virtual Imbak Canyon exhibit featuring information on the 27,000-hectare conservation area gazetted as forest protection area in Sabah, and the role of the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre which is a world-class rainforest biodiversity research facility.
There is also a Formula 1 racing simulator and the Icaros-R If two-wheeler action fits your ambition. Both highly immersive motor racing simulators were designed for adrenaline chasers and enthusiasts looking for a safe yet thrilling training experience.
A Sisyphus table, a kinetic sculpture that rolls a ball through sand, forever creating and erasing beautiful patterns, is another addition.
Ezarisma said watching Sisyphus evokes a meditative feeling as our brain absorbs the enchanting symmetry of mathematically precise patterns carved into sand like an automated zen garden.
“This Kickstarter-funded project by designer Bruce Shapiro was, at its time, the highest funded project in Kickstarter’s history under the Art category. It is an example of a successful electronics-art project that hopefully will inspire future creative makers.
“During the pandemic when the centre was closed for almost a year, science communicators at PlaySmart Kota Kinabalu continued to engage surrounding communities through various digital programmes such as Karnival Sains Sabah.
“It is the first virtual programme held in 2021 by the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation of Sabah to stir students’ and society’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“This activity proved to be a great success, where ninety nine per cent of the approximately 10,000 participants provided feedback that they would recommend Petrosains to others,” he said.
Petrosains PlaySmart Kota Kinabalu covers a floor area of 5068 sq ft and houses more than 50 interactive exhibits and several learning areas.
It is open from 9am to 5pm from Mondays to Sundays and closed on major public holidays. Admission is free.
Petrosains was established by Petronas in 1999 as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative to provide a rich and stimulating environment to enhance STEM literacy in the nation and an extension of Petronas’ commitment to nation-building by driving the creation of a new generation of science and technology-minded, innovation-inspired Malaysians.”
Petrosains PlaySmart was meant to inspire a generation of young people to consider careers in science and technology towards shared progress for all where no one is left behind.
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