KOTA KINABALU: Two hundred students of SMK Kota Marudu and 250 SMK Tun Fuad Stephens in Kiulu were exposed to the wonders of biotechnology and basic research techniques during the MyBio@School Programme organised by the Institute of Agro-Biotechnology Malaysia (ABI).
The programme, using interactive approaches and a science exploration competition, aims at cultivating the students’ deep interest in biotechnology science by familiarising them with basic research techniques in plant, animal and food biotechnology research.
MyBio@School programme is an on-going outreach and educational programme by ABI, an agency of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). It was also recently held in secondary schools in Puchong, Selangor.
The SMK Kota Marudu students are the second in Sabah after SMK Tun Fuad Stephens to undergo the programme which also aims at raising their awareness on the importance of innovation and creativity in their daily lives.
The programme garnered encouraging response from the students and teachers as well.
The teachers of both schools have expressed happiness on the outcome of the programme.
Senior teacher Yazid Mahadi of SMK Kota Marudu believed it is able to bring out students’ potential in the field of science and technology while
senior teacher Kartini Kinsai of SMK Tun Fuad Stephens said the programme had attracted students’ interest in the field and hoped it would be continued in schools.
MOSTI special officer Rakam Sijim attended the programme and presented prizes to the students.
“This programme aims at increasing public awareness on the significance of science and innovation in their lives, as well as encouraging more students to take up science as a vocation especially in the field of biotechnology.
“It is also part of ABI’s efforts to support the Year of Science and National Innovation Movement 2012 (SGI2012) programmes spearheaded by MOSTI. SGI2012 is a national-level year-long programme to enculturate science and innovation among all strata of society, and of course, students are an important target group,” he said.
Biotechnology has been identified as one of the key sectors to propel the nation towards developed nation status by 2020.