More than 500 students to ignite STEM innovation at STEM Trailblazers 2026 in Miri

Miri, Sarawak – 23 July 2026 – More than 500 primary and secondary school students from across northern Sarawak will gather at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) on 29 and 30 July for STEM Trailblazers 2026, a dynamic two-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) that aims to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and supported by the Sarawak State Education Department, the flagship state-level programme – which is into its fourth edition – is jointly organised by the Sarawak Science Centre, Sarawak Skills, Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), and Curtin Malaysia.

Held simultaneously in Miri, Sibu and Kuching, STEM Trailblazers 2026 underscores Sarawak’s growing commitment to nurturing STEM talent and building an innovation-driven economy. This year’s edition is especially significant as it coincides with the launch of the new Sarawak Science Centre in Kuching and Minggu Sains Negara (MSN) 2026 (Sarawak Zone), marking another milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen STEM education, research and innovation.

Under the theme ‘Living STEM, Building Sarawak’s Future,’ the event at Curtin Malaysia’s Recreation & Event Centre (REC) will transform the Curtin Malaysia campus into a vibrant hub of discovery, bringing together students, educators, researchers, industry leaders and the wider community to experience how STEM is shaping the future of Sarawak.

Members of the public are invited to enjoy free admission to a wide range of interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops, technology demonstrations and innovation showcases designed to spark curiosity and inspire learners of all ages.

Among the highlights is the Curtin EcoTech Marvel Innovator Challenge 2.0, a competition that encourages participants – from primary and secondary school students to university undergraduates and postgraduates – to develop practical, sustainable solutions to real-world community and industry challenges. The competition reflects the aspirations of Sarawak’s Post-COVID19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 by promoting innovation, sustainability and industry collaboration as key drivers of the state’s future development.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore innovative projects developed by Curtin Malaysia students alongside exhibitions by leading organisations including Pustaka Negeri Sarawak (Miri), All Aboard Young Leaders (Chumbaka Miri), and the Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC), showcasing cutting-edge ideas and emerging technologies.

To further immerse students in STEM, four exciting hands-on workshops will be conducted throughout the event: Drone Discovery, Cyber Defence Mission: Decode, Defend & Escape, Solar-Power Tank, and Eco-Breeze. Covering topics such as robotics, cybersecurity, renewable energy, coding and sustainability, these workshops are designed to cultivating creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

STEM Trailblazers 2026 reflects Curtin Malaysia’s continued commitment to developing future-ready graduates and supporting Sarawak’s vision of becoming a regional leader in innovation, science and technology. By connecting education with industry and fostering collaboration across sectors, the event serves as a platform for young people to explore emerging technologies, discover future careers and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s workforce.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome to experience two exciting days of innovation, discovery and hands-on learning at Curtin University Malaysia.

For more information about Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or follow Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok and X.

Curtin Malaysia’s Recreation & Event Centre packed with students during one of last year’s STEM Trailblazers challenges.

Students building a robot vehicle at last year’s STEM Trailblazers.

Students during a hand-on STEM activity demonstrate a practical water filtration experiment.

Students immerse themselves in an interactive digital planetarium experience during a previous STEM Trailblazers event.