NEWS & UPDATE

KUCHING
21 JUNE 2026

From autonomous mobility systems to artificial intelligence-powered applications, the eighth edition of the Sarawak Community Innovation & Engineering Convention (SCIENCE) by Sarawak Energy is equipping young Sarawakians with skills and practical exposure to the future of transportation and digital innovation.

Held on 20 and 21 June 2026 at Plaza Merdeka, Kuching, SCIENCE 8 brought together 192 participants from communities spanning Serian to Baram.

The inclusion of participants from Baram for the first time marks a milestone for SCIENCE, further expanding the programme's outreach to students from rural and remote communities across Sarawak.

The programme also recorded its highest female participation to date, with 122 participants or 63% of the total, reflecting its growing role encouraging more inclusive participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“SCIENCE is more than a STEM programme. It is a platform that encourages young people to explore emerging technologies, think creatively and apply their knowledge to develop practical solutions to real-world challenges,” said Marconi Madai, Sarawak Energy’s Senior Vice President for Corporate Services.

Marconi said the programme complements classroom learning by giving students hands-on experience in innovation, teamwork and problem-solving, while building confidence to apply technology in practical ways.

“Through exposure to artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics and electric vehicle technologies, students are able to develop technical capability, adaptability, creativity and critical thinking skills that are increasingly important in modern industries,” he said.

He added that SCIENCE supports Sarawak’s long-term talent pipeline by expanding STEM access across urban and rural communities, helping ensure that opportunities are not limited by geography while supporting the State’s growing digital economy.

The programme engaged over 50 teams from 10 STEM communities across Sarawak, with primary and secondary students taking part in hands-on innovation challenges in automotive technology and artificial intelligence.

Primary students competed in the Autonomous Rover Challenge, while secondary students participated in the Smart EV Dashboard Challenge, developing functional vehicle systems featuring speed monitoring, RPM tracking, signal indicators and reverse sensor integration.

SCIENCE is Sarawak Energy’s signature campaign under the Powering Young Minds initiative, part of the company’s Education & Young People corporate social responsibility (CSR) pillar. It reflects Sarawak Energy’s long-term investment in nurturing Sarawakian youth through education, innovation and community development.

The programme was organised by The Learning Curve in collaboration with the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC) and Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS), through the TEGAS Community Innovative Learning (TCIL) initiative, with support from the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD).

This year’s “Automotive and AI” theme reflects rapid advances in electric vehicles, autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. Since 2018, SCIENCE has covered areas including robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), smart agriculture, renewable energy, sustainability, remote sensing, hydropower and AI-driven circular economy solutions.

Marconi (middle) observing a demonstration by SCIENCE participants at their booth. At second left is Elaine Tan, Sarawak Energy's General Manager for Corporate Communication.

Marconi (second left) in a group photo with winners of the Primary School Category of the competition.

Distinguished guests and participants pose in a group photo.