KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must continue strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education to develop a highly skilled local workforce capable of driving the state’s growth across high-value industries, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
He said the state was pursuing growth across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, technology, logistics, tourism and the digital economy, which would create increasing demand for specialised knowledge and skills.
“However, no development plan can succeed without the people driving it. Infrastructure can be built, investments can be attracted and industries can be developed, but ultimately, it is talent that drives lasting progress,” he said.
Masidi said this when officiating the closing ceremony of ConocoPhillips STEM Forward 2026 here.
He commended ConocoPhillips Malaysia and its partners for their continued commitment to strengthening STEM education and talent development in Sabah, describing the initiative as more than just a STEM programme.
He said it represented a meaningful investment in Sabah’s future while demonstrating how industry could play an active role in preparing the next generation of talent required by the state.
Masidi said the Sabah Government would continue supporting initiatives to strengthen STEM education, promote Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and create pathways for local talent to enter high-value industries.
“The long-term objective is clear: to develop a highly skilled workforce that is capable of supporting Sabah’s economic aspirations while ensuring that our young people can benefit from the opportunities being created within the state,” he said.
He also commended ConocoPhillips Malaysia for its long-term commitment to Sabah, noting that more than 10,000 students had benefited from its STEM ecosystem through various initiatives, including STEM Forward.
According to Masidi, such programmes provided young Sabahans with opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and innovation while gaining exposure to real-world industry experience.
Masidi also paid tribute to teachers and educators, whom he described as playing an important role in encouraging students to participate, experiment, compete and develop confidence.
“Programs such as STEM Forward may begin with partnerships and resources, but their success depends on dedicated educators who are willing to invest their time and effort into nurturing young minds,” he said.
He expressed appreciation on behalf of the Sabah Government to teachers and educators for their commitment to developing the next generation of local talent.
Meanwhile, Masidi welcomed the handover of the STEM Preppers Mathematics and Science Modules to the Sabah State Education Department, describing it as a meaningful contribution towards strengthening STEM learning in a sustainable and scalable manner.
He said the development and sharing of educational resources that could be utilised by schools demonstrated that industry collaboration could extend beyond programmes and competitions.
Addressing students participating in the programme, Masidi urged them to fully utilise the opportunities provided through STEM Forward and to continue asking questions, exploring new ideas and challenging themselves.
He also encouraged students to engage with engineers and industry professionals from ConocoPhillips Malaysia, particularly those who were Sabahans.
“Many of them are Sabahans, just like you. They once sat where you are sitting today, with dreams and aspirations for their future.
“Through hard work, determination and education, they have gone on to build successful careers in a global industry,” he said.
Masidi said their achievements demonstrated that young Sabahans could pursue successful careers in global industries regardless of their backgrounds.
He hoped the programme would inspire students to “dream bigger, aim higher and believe that anything is possible”.
He said the success of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda required close cooperation between the government, schools and industry.
“Government alone cannot do it. Schools alone cannot do it. Industry alone cannot do it. But together, through partnerships such as those we celebrate today, we can create greater opportunities for our young people and build a stronger future for Sabah,” he said.
Masidi also congratulated ConocoPhillips Malaysia, the Sabah State Education Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, PINTAR Foundation, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, participating schools, teachers, parents and students for their contributions towards the success of STEM Forward 2026.
He subsequently declared the closing ceremony of ConocoPhillips STEM Forward 2026 officially closed.
