BETONG: The Think & Tinker (T&T) mini laboratory project in schools, especially in rural areas, is seen as a significant and major platform for children to explore and develop their potential in digital innovation.

The project, implemented by Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas), has also helped with the development of the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Layar assemblyman Gerald Rentap Jabu said through the joint effort by Tegas and the State Education Department, 11 schools will be provided with digital innovation-related equipment.

“Among the equipment are microcontroller boards, three-dimensional printers, robot and drone kits as well as mini libraries for the development of STEM education.

“I am optimistic that this T&T mini lab will be a multifunctional space for innovation purposes in schools to enable children to showcase their talents and skills in the digital innovation field,” he said.

Rentap added that teachers and industry experts today are effectively producing literate students in line with the Industrial Revolution 4.0.

He said this during the launching of the T&T Tegas Mini Laboratory for Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Ulu Layar and the handover of equipment ceremony at Chung Hua Betong multipurpose hall on Sunday (Aug 15).

He said that the school’s T&T mini laboratory will be stored with equipment such as three-dimensional printers, arduinos, microbits, drones and robotic kits.

The member of the Tegas Board of Trustees added that students can hone their skills in digital technology.

“Exposure to coding and robotics can be an impetus for them to be more creative and innovative,” he said.

He expressed his happiness when SMK Ulu Layar was selected as one of the schools for the pilot project. “What the government is doing today is to equip the new generation with the knowledge of what is needed in the future,” he added.