Discovering STEM Beyond the Mountains

In the remote highlands of Sabah's Long Pasia, within a close-knit community, two classmates are dreaming of futures far beyond the village they call home.

For 15-year-old McCoy Alexander, that future lies offshore. Inspired by an uncle who works in the oil and gas industry, the Form Three student hopes to one day become an engineer and work on offshore oil platforms.

Science has always been among his favourite subjects, and in a class of 11 students, he is often one of the top performers. McCoy is not the only student at Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Long Pasia with big ambitions.

His classmate, Esther Saran, also loves science, but hopes to become a fashion designer. Drawing inspiration from the rivers, forests and landscapes that surround Long Pasia, she dreams of one day transforming the beauty of her homeland into creations of her own.

For SK Long Pasia headmaster, Jeffry Padan, creating those opportunities is vital.

He believes students from rural communities possess the same talent and potential as their peers elsewhere. What they often need is exposure, experience and encouragement to help them discover what is possible.

That is why, when Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Beyond Borders arrived at SK Long Pasia on 20 August, it brought more than science demonstrations and educational activities. It brought an opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and imagine new possibilities for their future.

Organised by the Sipitang District Education Office (PPD Sipitang) in collaboration with PETRONAS, the two-day outreach programme brought together approximately 155 primary school pupils and 45 secondary school students from SK Long Pasia, SK Ulu Bole, SK Meligan, SK Melalia and SK Ulu Sipitang.

For many students, it was a rare opportunity to engage with technologies and learning experiences seldom accessible in their daily lives.

According to Jeffry, the programme left a meaningful and lasting impression on the students.

"Overall, the outreach programme had a highly positive impact in raising students' awareness of and interest in STEM," he said, adding that students became noticeably more curious, engaged and eager to learn throughout the programme.

The programme began on the evening of 20 August with an astronomy-themed session. Although rain prevented the planned stargazing activity, students still had the opportunity to see and learn about telescopes up close, an experience many encountered for the first time.

As night fell over the school grounds, colourful beams from a laser show lit up the darkness. Students watched in fascination as facilitators explained the science behind the display, transforming abstract concepts into something tangible and memorable.

"The laser show inspired a sense of wonder among the students and sparked their curiosity about physics and space science," he said.

The excitement continued the next morning with science demonstrations, Drone Control Challenge, Dash Robot Challenge, and interactive exhibits facilitated by Petrosains and programme partners.

For McCoy, the experience was one he will not soon forget.

"I was really happy to join the programme because I've always enjoyed science," he said. The Drone Control Challenge left the strongest impression on him. Watching technology respond to commands in real time fascinated the young student.

Listening to professionals speak about education pathways and career opportunities helped him better understand the steps needed to pursue his ambition.

For students in a village located more than 100 kilometres from Sipitang town, that kind of exposure can be transformative.

Yet the programme's impact extended beyond students who aspire to pursue careers in STEM.

For Esther, the experience revealed how technology and creativity can complement one another.

Among the exhibits, it was the 3D printer that captured her imagination the most.

Watching a digital design gradually take shape as a physical object was unlike anything she had experienced before. She was equally fascinated by an interactive exhibit that used water to create music, demonstrating how science, creativity and innovation can intersect in unexpected ways.

"The STEM Talk was my favourite session because it was very inspiring and motivating," she said

While the programme did not alter Esther's ambition of becoming a fashion designer, it broadened her perspective on how science and technology can support creativity and help bring ideas to life.

many ways, Esther's experience reflects one of the programme's most meaningful outcomes.

Success is not measured solely by how many students choose to become engineers, scientists or programmers, but in helping the young understand that innovation, knowledge, and technology can support whatever aspirations they choose to pursue.

For Jeffry, that broader impact was evident throughout the programme.

Activities such as the science show and interactive exhibition booths enabled students to experience STEM in ways they had never encountered before.

"The students were genuinely excited. Learning through experience is far more effective than theory alone in developing a deeper and more lasting interest," he said.

He also highlighted the role played by PPD Sipitang, PETRONAS, and participating teachers in exposing students to new possibilities.

Their presence, he said, provided fresh inspiration and demonstrated how education can open doors to a wide range of opportunities and careers

Jeffry hopes similar programmes will continue reaching schools in Sabah's rural and remote communities.

"If rural students do not have access to STEM facilities like those available in urban areas, then we hope more strategic partners will bring those opportunities directly to rural communities."

For two days, STEM Beyond Borders helped bridge that gap. Students returned home with new experiences, fresh perspectives and a broader sense of what might be possible.