By Neville Timothy Sanders
KUCHING: The construction of the RM200-million Sarawak Science Centre (SCC) is progressing smoothly, said Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Ronald Sagah Wee Inn.
According to him, the groundwork has been fully completed as of today.
“The building is expected to be finished by 2025, however we are hoping to finish by 2024,” he said at a press conference after officiating at the SSC Fourth and Fifth Masterplan Workshop at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here, today.
However, he hoped the cost of the construction would not rise as a result of the current economic situation, as goods are becoming more expensive.
“That is why we want a scientific society, so that we can have people who can develop our own products, which will be much cheaper,” stressed Sagah.
The state is collaborating with the Science Centre Singapore (SCS) to create the SCC, which is located along Jalan Stadium in Petra Jaya, near the Pustaka Negeri Sarawak, on a 10.8-acre plot of land.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated at the centre’s earth-breaking ceremony in October last year.
Upon completion, it would be equipped with facilities such as interactive exhibits, science labs, digital lab, tinkering area, astronomy observatory, science shows area, mini auditorium, seminar hall, discussion room as well as office space.
Meanwhile, the masterplan workshop is the first to be held face-to-face with representatives from SCS, led by its chief executive officer Dr Lim Tit Meng.
The event drew a total of 70 participants from various agencies and departments.
The workshop would provide a platform for all stakeholders, including the government, private agencies and institutions, to explore ways to create a memorable tourist experience and educational programme for the new science centre.
It would also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue and discuss best practises in their domains in order to benefit the centre.
Also present were Education, Innovation and Talent Development Deputy Ministers Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and Dr Annuar Rapaee as well as Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development permanent secretary Datuk Kameri Affendi.
