4 October 2024 – College of Computing, Informatics, and Mathematics, UITM Sarawak is collaborating with the Kuching Central Rotary Club on a literacy project called “Gift of Education.” This initiative aims to enhance basic education and literacy for children in Sarawak.

The project’s primary goal is to establish a STEM laboratory equipped with teaching and learning aids to help students grasp Science and Mathematics concepts. The STEM laboratories aim to provide hands-on learning experiences designed to motivate students in their Science and Mathematics education. Three schools have been selected to benefit from this initiative: SK Pangkalan Kuap, SJK(C) Sungai Apong, and SK Sungai Stutong.

Professor Dr. Ling Siew Eng and her team have completed a thorough needs analysis of teaching and learning aids in schools. This initiative focuses on enhancing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and involves close collaboration with local schools to identify the most effective equipment for their unique needs. It aligns teaching tools with the curriculum, ensuring educators have the best resources to inspire and engage their students.

In the next phase, the team will evaluate the effectiveness of the newly introduced equipment in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes. The team also provides training sessions for teachers, equipping them with the innovative skills needed to utilise these tools effectively in their classrooms.

This initiative is part of UiTM’s social responsibility to advance educational standards and foster a robust learning environment in Malaysia, particularly in the STEM fields, which are crucial for the country’s development.

The Kuching Central Rotary Club is responsible for facilitating the project, including sourcing vendors, purchasing, and delivering equipment. The club has also generously donated cabinets for the schools to store educational materials.

A budget of RM20,000 was allocated for the equipment in the STEM laboratories, with funding sponsored by T&J Engineering Sdn Bhd, a fully owned subsidiary of Hextar Capital Bhd, as part of the company’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) efforts.