KUCHING: Students from rural areas in Sarawak continue to prove their ability to compete and excel in robotics after recording commendable achievements in the state-level National Robotics Competition (NRC), held from 17 to 19 July 2025 at Curtin University, Miri.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the achievements of schools from areas such as Serian, Kapit and Daro demonstrate that rural students are capable of matching the performance of others when given proper exposure, resources and guidance.

He said that under the pilot implementation of the 2025 NRC programme, SJK Chung Hua Batu 35, Serian, emerged runner-up in the Robomission Junior category, while SMK Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajah Normah, Daro, secured third place and SMK Kapit finished fifth in the Robomission Rookie lower secondary category.

“This achievement clearly reflects the great potential of our students when they are given the right exposure, resources and guidance.

“I’m very pleased because all these schools are in rural areas, namely Serian, Kapit and Daro. They are just as good as anyone else,” he said.

He said this when speaking at the handover ceremony of robotics kits in conjunction with the 2026 State-Level NRC Development Programme at the Sarawak State Library on Thursday.

At the same time, he stressed that efforts to expand Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Sarawak are being carried out inclusively to ensure no student is left behind in the wave of technological development, including those in rural areas, in line with the state government’s commitment to equitable talent development.

Dato Sri Roland Sagah added that the programme would continue and be expanded this year with the participation of 60 schools, comprising 30 primary schools and 30 secondary schools from various District Education Offices (PPDs) throughout Sarawak.

According to him, each selected school will receive a robotics kit sponsored by the ministry, while teachers will attend Training of Trainers (TOT) workshops conducted by Sasbadi to ensure they are well prepared to guide students effectively.

He added that participating schools would then compete in the 2026 State-Level NRC, scheduled to take place from 27 to 30 July in Sibu.

He explained that the development programme is a continuation of last year’s successful implementation involving 13 PPDs, with all 26 teams progressing to the state-level competition.

In a related development, the MEITD Minister further stated that Sarawak has demonstrated outstanding achievement in robotics, emerging as overall national champion 10 times between 2014 and 2025.

He added that international success has also been encouraging, with Malaysia crowned overall champion at the World Robot Olympiad 2025, with participation from Sarawak contributing to the achievement.

Also present were MEITD Permanent Secretary Datu Adana Jed, Sarawak State Education Department Director Omar Mahli, Sasbadi Learning Solution Sdn Bhd Director Kevin Wan and other dignitaries. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Nur Nabilla
Photo: Nur Nabilla
Translator: Suhaila AW