Kuching: The construction of the Sarawak Science Centre is now about 80 percent complete and is expected to open in mid-2026, stated Sarawak Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. He noted that the project is progressing ahead of schedule with construction work moving smoothly.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, although the physical structure of the building located in Petra Jaya is nearly complete, the ministry still awaits the arrival of exhibits and interactive materials that will be showcased at the centre. Sagah mentioned this after attending the Discover Science Together Programme at the Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute.

Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg is anticipated to inaugurate the state's largest science innovation and education centre, which costs RM239 million. The centre aims to become a key hub for learning and exploration in science, technology, and innovation, supporting the state's goal to produce a knowledgeable and skilled young generation in line with Sarawak's vision of becoming a developed state by 2030.

Sagah elaborated that programmes and workshops at the Science Centre will be tailored to complement the school science curriculum through hands-on and research-based learning, culminating in projects for students. The Sarawak Science Centre, developed on a 10.8-acre site, is located near the Sarawak Energy Berhad headquarters in Jalan Stadium, Petra Jaya, Kuching.

In another development, Sagah expressed hope that the Federal government would allocate a fair portion to Sarawak from the RM7.9 billion announced for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programme under Budget 2026. He emphasized that the allocation is crucial to ensure that technical and vocational training institutions in Sarawak continue to produce skilled manpower to meet the needs of local industries.

Sagah stressed the need for technical personnel, including TVET graduates who can serve in the industry, appreciating the Federal government's emphasis on TVET as a positive step towards strengthening the country's skilled workforce. Commenting on the proposed TVET Bill, Sagah, who is also a member of the National TVET Council, stated it was still too early to comment as the details have not been finalized.