Nurturing Local STEM Talent Through SCIENCE by Sarawak Energy

Sarawak Energy continues to nurture local talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through the 2025 Sarawak Community Innovation & Engineering Convention (SCIENCE) by Sarawak Energy, held from 5 to 6 July at The Spring Shopping Mall, Kuching.

Now in its seventh edition, SCIENCE is Sarawak Energy’s flagship STEM education initiative under Powering Young Minds, a programme within the company’s Education & Young People corporate social responsibility pillar. Facilitated by The Learning Curve, the convention aims to cultivate interest in STEM among school students while promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

“SCIENCE is our signature campaign under the ‘Powering Young Minds’ initiative, a long-term investment in nurturing Sarawakian youth through education and innovation,” said Marconi Madai, Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for Health, Safety, Security and Environment during the closing ceremony of the convention. “Through SCIENCE, young people engage in real-world problem-solving beyond the classroom, building creativity, critical thinking, design thinking and teamwork, which are all essential skills for a sustainable future.”

This year’s programme carried the theme “Circular Digital Economy”, integrating digital technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning with circular economy principles. It provided students with practical exposure to innovation, as they designed and built intelligent waste-sorting systems using BBC micro:bit, Edu:pico RP2040 and Husky Lens AI sensors.

A total of 169 participants comprising 129 students and 40 teachers took part in the main event and outreach activities held across Kuching, Serian, Padawan, Kota Samarahan and Batu Kitang. Twenty primary school teams and twelve secondary school teams competed in the main convention. More than half of the participants were female students, reflecting the programme’s emphasis on inclusive participation.

Activities at SCIENCE 2025 featured hands-on outreach workshops, a structured competition segment, exhibitions as well as career and education talks. The event concluded with an award presentation recognising the top three teams in both primary and secondary categories, along with awards for innovation, coding and best female team.

In line with the event’s focus on circularity and digital innovation, Sarawak Energy highlighted its sustainability efforts through various circular economy initiatives.

One example is the microalgae project, which began in 2020 and is jointly led by Japan’s CHITOSE Group, the primary contractor for the microalgae research, together with Sarawak Energy, Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) and ENEOS. This collaboration resulted in the establishment of the Chitose Carbon Capture Central Sarawak, Sarawak’s first industrial-scale microalgae facility, which was launched in 2023 and aims to contribute to carbon capture and circular bioeconomy development.

Sarawak Energy also implements initiatives such as the Digitalised Waste Management 3R Programme, which applies digital solutions to improve recycling practices within the organisation.

“Sarawak Energy is developing Company-wide guidelines on circular economy practices to help us make sustainability a part of everything we do,” said Marconi. “This will support our shift from the traditional 'take-make-dispose' model to a more sustainable system that reduces waste, reuses resources, and protects the environment across our operations.”

Marconi also encouraged students to take part in the upcoming ASEAN Youth Energy Awards (AEYA), held in conjunction with Sarawak Energy’s flagship forum, the Sustainability and Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF 4.0) on 3 and 4 September at the Borneo Convention Centre.

“AEYA is a prestigious platform that celebrates and showcases the innovative ideas and projects of youth across ASEAN in the fields of renewable energy. This is a great opportunity to present your infographic, video or policy ideas on hydropower and renewable energy at an international stage, and we have very attractive prizes lined up for the top three winners,” said Marconi.

Since its inception in 2018, the SCIENCE by Sarawak Energy programme has encouraged collaboration and problem-solving through real-world STEM challenges. Students work in diverse teams, apply technology creatively and gain early exposure to skills relevant to the future. The programme also helps build awareness of DEI and supports Sarawak’s vision of developing resilient, future-ready leaders and a skilled workforce for the digital economy.

Aligned with Sarawak Energy’s commitment to developing local talent and supporting sustainable community growth through hands-on STEM education, SCIENCE by Sarawak Energy 2025 was made possible through the support of the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation, TEGAS, the Ministry of Education and The Spring Mall.