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Viral photos of worn-out mattresses and dilapidated hostel rooms at Politeknik Kuching have sparked outrage online — and caught the attention of the state's deputy minister. [image: 1782263902144-polytechnic-hostel.jpg] Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, rushed to the polytechnic on June 22 after social media posts exposed the poor living conditions in the student hostels. What happened: A Facebook group 'Sarawak Awareness Group (No Ads)' posted photos of torn, stained mattresses and run-down beds Kuching Polytechnic admitted 1,600 students this year — up from just 1,200 previously More than 40 hostel rooms are unusable due to safety concerns and inadequate facilities The surge in UPU (Central University Unit) admissions reportedly caught the polytechnic unprepared The response: Dr Annuar said there's no point blaming anyone. "What is important is that all parties take responsibility to ensure what happened at the polytechnic will not happen again, either there or anywhere else in Sarawak." The polytechnic submitted an official request to the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) on June 23 to expedite upgrades. Source: DayakDaily Students deserve better. What do you think?

Sarawak TVET students brought home a runner-up finish at an international robotics championship in Taiwan — proving Malaysian technical talent can shine on the world stage. Students from Matang Vocational College (KVM) competed in the STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026 at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre in Taipei from May 30-31. They won the Finalist Alliance Award in the League of Mecha-Clash (LOM) category. The championship drew top robotics teams from multiple countries, challenging participants in robot design, programming, engineering, and strategic problem-solving. KVM's team advanced all the way to the final round before securing second place. The League of Mecha-Clash requires teams to build robots capable of completing tasks through both autonomous operation and manual control. Success depends not just on technical skill but on teamwork and real-time coordination with alliance partners. KVM said the achievement reflects the dedication and perseverance of both students and mentors throughout the preparation period. It also highlights the ability of Malaysia's TVET students to compete internationally in robotics and emerging tech. [image: 1781053387272-robotics-team.jpg] KVM's robotics team with their award in Taiwan. The college hopes this international recognition will inspire more students to pursue excellence in TVET — especially in robotics, automation, and AI. Location: Matang Vocational College (KVM), Kuching / Taipei, Taiwan Details: Runner-up (Finalist Alliance Award), STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026, League of Mecha-Clash category Source: https://www.theborneopost.com/2026/06/10/sarawak-tvet-students-earn-global-accolade-for-robotics-excellence-in-taiwan/ What do you think?

Matang Vocational College robotics team wins Finalist Alliance Award at Taipei international championship. Sarawak TVET students have proven they can compete with the best in the world. A team from Matang Vocational College took second place (Finalist Alliance Award) at the STVE x MARC Open Championship 2026 in Taipei, Taiwan. The competition, held May 30-31 at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre, brought together top robotics teams from multiple countries. The League of Mecha-Clash (LOM) category required teams to build high-performance robots capable of both autonomous and manual operation. Strategic alliance-building and real-time teamwork were key factors in advancing through rounds. This achievement puts Sarawak vocational education on the global map, showing that TVET students here have the skills and innovation to match international standards in robotics, AI, and engineering. [image: 1780985127813-robotics-team.jpg] Source: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) What do you think? Should Sarawak invest more in TVET and robotics education?

Sarawak is spending RM4.53 billion on 76 school construction and upgrade projects across the state — with 25 currently under construction and 27 already completed. Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced the update after handing over new classroom blocks at SMK Dalat and SMK Semop today. Of the 76 projects: 25 are actively under construction 24 are in planning and preparatory stages 27 have been fully completed Seven more school projects worth RM223.64 million are expected to be completed between June and December this year. For SMK Dalat, the RM27.2 million 18-classroom block was completed in December 2025, while SMK Semop's RM10.56 million 12-classroom block finished in January this year. Nanta also mentioned that preliminary work for the SMK Bukit Goram project in Kapit has started, with a Letter of Acceptance expected before the end of 2026. [image: 1780966886005-school-p1-resized.jpg] Nanta visiting a new classroom at SMK Dalat. He also announced RM20,000 contributions each to the Parent-Teacher Associations of SMK Dalat and SMK Semop. "This demonstrates the government's continued commitment to ensuring schools in Sarawak are provided with more comfortable, safe and conducive facilities," said Nanta. Source: Borneo Post What do you think — are schools in your area improving?

[image: 1780812153192-ssciex-aerial.jpeg] Sarawak's first interactive science centre opens Phase 1 on July 29, featuring animatronic dinosaurs, a mirror maze, water play zone and more. Located at Jalan Stadium on a 10.97-acre site, the Sarawak Science Centre Interactive Experience (SSCiEX) will welcome visitors starting July 29. Phase 1 covers the Ground Floor and Level 1 galleries, while Level 2 and 3 will follow later. What's Inside Visitors can explore galleries covering physics, engineering, earth science, biology and technology. Key attractions include: Animatronic dinosaur gallery 🦕 Water play zone Mirror maze Forces, light and sound exhibits The centre also offers daily science theatre shows, live demonstrations, lab sessions for schools, a Maker's Space, community farming zones and an on-site hostel for visiting school groups. Background The project was approved by the Sarawak government in 2019. Planning started in 2022 with Singapore Science Centre helping develop the Strategic Master Plan, incorporating Sarawak's natural environment and cultural identity into the visitor experience. Construction progressed in 2024, with exhibit fabrication and installation in 2025. This is a Sarawak government initiative under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aimed at nurturing STEM interest through interactive learning. Location: Jalan Stadium, Kuching Opening: July 29, 2026 (Phase 1) Source: DayakDaily Who's planning to visit?

[image: 1780794132383-icats_upgrade_full.jpeg] i-CATS University College has been officially upgraded to a full-fledged university, with the Sarawak government planning a brand new RM400 million campus in Trombol. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the upgrade at the Sarawak Career and Training (SCaT) Fair 2026 on Saturday, saying the Ministry of Higher Education approved the move after i-CATS met all requirements. The upgrade makes i-CATS the second technology-focused state university in Sarawak, alongside University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) in Sibu. The new campus in Trombol will be developed in phases at an estimated RM400 million, complete with student accommodation and supporting facilities. A new faculty building has already been completed. i-CATS is also strengthening international partnerships with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Istanbul Technical University in Türkiye to expand its academic programmes. Location: Trombol, Kuching, Sarawak What: i-CATS upgraded to full university status + new RM400m campus Details: MoHE approval granted, phased development in Trombol with student accommodation Source: DayakDaily What do you think?

Four students from St Joseph’s International School (SJIS) in Kuching have earned Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards — including three “Top in the World” titles — in the November 2025 examination series. This is reportedly the first time SJIS has achieved three worldwide top honours in a single exam sitting. The winners Eunice Ooi Jia Yi — Top in the World, Business Studies (A-Level) Carmen Lee Zi Shuen — Top in the World, English as a Second Language (IGCSE) Giselle Chen Yan Xin — Top in the World, English as a Second Language (IGCSE) Jameela Khayrin Mohamad Bolhair — Top in Malaysia, Business Studies (AS-Level) “This is truly exceptional for the school to achieve three ‘Top in the World’ awards in a single examination series,” said SJIS Principal Brother Robert Teoh. St Joseph’s Private Schools CEO Christopher Chua added that being recognised at the international level places these students among the very best globally. [image: 1779691939811-nc_kcfc-final-1.jpg] Location: St Joseph’s International School, Kuching Details: 3 x Top in the World + 1 x Top in Malaysia (November 2025 Cambridge exams) Source: DayakDaily What do you think?