FUN TO LEARN SCIENCE: Petrosains PlaySmart staff Nadia Amiril explains the aspects of science and technology in everyday life to the pupils of SK Gaya after the launching of the centre. — Bernama photo
KOTA KINABALU: Petrosains Sdn Bhd, which runs Petronas’ fully owned science discovery centre, Petrosains, yesterday opened the Petrosains PlaySmart Kota Kinabalu here, its third satellite science centre in the country.
The mini science discovery centre, located within the Sabah State Library in Luyang, was officially launched yesterday by Datuk Datu Nasrun Datu Mansor, Assistant Minister to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.
He was representing the chief minister at the event.
Also present were Sabah State Library director Wong Vui Yin, Petronas senior general manager of Group Corporate Affairs Division Datuk Mohammad Medan Abdullah and Petronas Sabah and Labuan Regional Office general manager Joseph Podtung.
Petrosains PlaySmart Kota Kinabalu is a collaboration with the Sabah State Library to offer its visitors a unique learning experience in the field of science.
It is part of Petrosains’ outreach programmes that bring a hands-on approach to learning science, in line with is it objectives to make the subject more accessible and interesting, while fostering awareness and understanding of the aspects of science and technology in everyday life.
The mini centre first opened its door to Sabahans on Dec 15, 2011, offering more than 70 interactive science exhibits, several mathematics and science puzzles and many other engaging educational displays. Admission to the centre is free of charge.
Mohammad Medan said the centre has received very positive response from Sabahans.
“Since it first opened in mid December, Petrosains PlaySmart has received more than 3,000 visitors, which translates into an average of 200 visitors per day. This shows that Sabahans, especially its young, have great interest in learning science and technology.
“Most people perceive science and technology as a complicated field. The Petrosains PlaySmart demonstrates that science can be fun to learn and easy to understand,” he added.
In addition to interactive exhibitions, Petrosains PlaySmart Kota Kinabalu also plans to run various programmes for students, teachers, parents and the public this year. These include School Holiday Programme, Sicence Workshop, Science Action Team, Math and Engineering Camp for primary and secondary school students, Teachers Appreciation Day, as well as “PlaySmart masuk kampung” to reach the rural areas.
Petrosains PlaySmart Kota Kinabalu is the third satellite science centre currently operated by Petrosains. The other two satellite PlaySmart centres are located in the Johor State Library in Johor Bahru and within the Yayasan Pahang building in Kuantan. — Bernama