Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX): Biggest science centre in Sarawak set to open on July 29, 2026
After years of planning and development, the Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) is finally set to open its doors on July 29, 2026, with the public allowed to walk into the centre on July 30, 2026.
The much-anticipated facility, located in Petra Jaya, Kuching, is expected to become a major landmark for science education, innovation, and tourism in Sarawak.
Developed as part of the state’s long-term vision to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, the centre is designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation among visitors of all ages.
The opening marks a significant milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to cultivate a knowledge-based economy and prepare future generations for careers in emerging industries.
Phase of the centre covers the Ground Floor and Level 1 galleries, while Phase 2 cover Level 2 and 3.
It must be noted thet the opening will only involve Phase 1 of the Science Centre, with Phase 2 of the centre scheduled for opening on a later date.
A World-Class Interactive Learning Experience
Built on an approximately 11-acre site along Jalan Stadium, the Sarawak Science Centre is the first large-scale science centre of its kind in Borneo.
According to SSCiEX, the facility features 22 themed galleries, more than 400 interactive exhibits, five specialised laboratories, and two dedicated Maker Spaces.
Visitors will be able to engage with hands-on exhibits covering a wide range of scientific disciplines, including biodiversity, environmental sustainability, engineering, robotics, life sciences, and future technologies.
Key spaces include an animatronic dinosaur gallery, a water play zone, and hands-on exhibits on forces, light, and sound.
Unlike traditional museums, the centre emphasizes experiential learning, allowing visitors to explore scientific concepts through direct interaction and experimentation.
To do this, SSCiEX will conduct daily science shows in the theatre, live floor demonstrations, school lab sessions, and outreach programmes to schools across Sarawak.
It will also boast Maker’s Space, specialised labs, community farming zones, and an on-site hostel for school groups.
The facility is expected to attract students, educators, researchers, families, and tourists from across Malaysia and neighbouring regions.
Supporting Sarawak’s STEM Ambitions
The Sarawak Science Centre (SSCiEX) is more than just a tourist attraction. It serves as a strategic investment in human capital development and aligns closely with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
Through educational programmes, workshops, research initiatives, and community outreach activities, SSCiEX aims to increase public interest in STEM subjects while nurturing future innovators and problem-solvers.
The centre is also expected to provide valuable opportunities for collaboration between schools, universities, industries, and government agencies.
Over the past few years, SSCiEX has already been actively engaging with communities throughout Sarawak through STEM roadshows, educational programmes, and science awareness campaigns, laying the groundwork for its official opening.
A New Tourism Icon for Kuching
Beyond education, the Sarawak Science Centre is poised to become one of Kuching’s newest tourism attractions. Its modern architecture, immersive exhibits, and family-friendly environment are expected to draw visitors from across Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and beyond.
The centre complements the growing educational and innovation ecosystem in Petra Jaya, further strengthening Kuching’s reputation as a city that embraces science, technology, and sustainable development. With increasing interest in educational tourism, SSCiEX could become a must-visit destination for travellers seeking meaningful and interactive experiences in Sarawak.
The History and Significance of the Sarawak Science Centre
The concept of the Sarawak Science Centre was first introduced in 2017 as part of the state government’s broader strategy to strengthen STEM education and innovation.
Formal development gained momentum in 2019 when the project received approval as a key initiative to support Sarawak’s future workforce needs.
Even before the completion of its physical facility, SSCiEX played an active role in promoting science education through outreach programmes, school engagements, and community-based STEM activities across the state.
Its importance extends beyond being a science exhibition centre; it represents Sarawak’s commitment to developing a scientifically literate society, encouraging innovation among young people, and positioning the state as a regional leader in technology, research, and knowledge-driven economic growth for future generations.
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