KALABAKAN: The implementation of Borneo Science Adventure programme (KSB) has the potential to engage rural communities in Sabah, particularly the youth, in the fields of science, technology, and innovation, said Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup.
According to him, this specially designed programme bridges the knowledge gap in science among rural communities, remote and Felda areas, which also need advancements in science, technology, and innovation to improve agricultural productivity, including the efficiency of farming methods.
“I want Sabah youth to be actively engaged in the economic opportunities related to jobs and businesses based on science, technology, and innovation, so they are not left behind.
“This KSB programme aligns with nurturing the interests of students and rural communities. I believe that in the long term, this effort (KSB) will reduce the stigma associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, which are seen as challenging,” he said in his speech while inaugurating KSB Series 2 at the Semai Bakti Hall, Felda Umas Cluster, here today.
Arthur believes Sabah residents are interested in science, technology, and innovation, as shown by the positive response to the KSB programme in Kalabakan, with over 4,000 attendees.
“Moreover, people in Sabah consistently show great enthusiasm for programmes by the National Science Centre. A recent example is the National Science Week Programme held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, which attracted over 20,000 visitors, marking the highest attendance ever recorded for this programme nationwide,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kalabakan MP and Sabah Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Assistant Minister Datuk Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy hoped KSB will continue to provide rural communities with direct access to science, technology, and innovation aspects.
He said such programmes offer exposure and knowledge to rural communities in the respective field, thereby fostering interest among children to pursue them. – Bernama
