SOP Foundation Sponsors RM41,180 in Bright Minds 2025

Group photo featuring SOP Foundation Board of Trustees member, Mr Eric Kiu Kwong Seng; Dr Noraini binti Omar, Director of Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Sarawak, Miri; Dr Tiwi binti Kamidin, Deputy Director; Dr Norsarihan bin Ahmad, Head of Department of Planning, Research and Innovation; and Dr Hu Laey Nee, Lecturer of the STEM Department, together with teachers and students showcasing the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime sets - Miri Region.

Miri – SOP Foundation is sponsoring Bright Minds 2025, an initiative designed to strengthen Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education with a focus on robotics, while also enhancing English proficiency among primary school pupils from Year 1 to Year 6. The programme is delivered with training support from Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Sarawak, Miri (IPGMKS).

The programme emphasises hands-on projects and group activities, equipping both students and teachers with essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. It reflects SOP Foundation’s commitment to advancing equitable access to quality education, particularly across rural and underserved communities.

As part of this initiative, SOP Foundation is sponsoring 10 LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime sets together with training workshops, with the total contribution valued at RM41,180. The first workshop was held at IPGMKS on 2 October, followed by the second at SJK Sungai Jaong on 3 October. Conducted one day in each region, the workshops provided teachers and students with the knowledge and confidence to maximise use of the kits. Robotics has been identified as a practical and engaging way to introduce STEM concepts at the primary level, supporting creativity, teamwork, and digital readiness.

The 10 LEGO sets will be distributed among the following beneficiaries, with one set designated for IPGMKS as a teaching resource and guide:

Institut Pendidikan Guru Malaysia Kampus Sarawak, Miri, SJK Chung Hua Marudi, SK Sungai Arang, SK Good Shepherd, SJK Sungai Jaong, SK Dato Sharif Hamid, SK Sungai Entulang, SK Lepong Ajai, SK Kelapa Sawit No. 1 and SK Bekenu.

Group photo featuring SOP Foundation Board of Trustees member, Mr Eric Kiu Kwong Seng; and Dr Hu Laey Nee, Lecturer of the STEM Department, together with teachers and students showcasing the LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime sets - Marudi Region.

The official handover of the sponsorship was carried out by SOP Foundation Board of Trustees member, Mr Eric Kiu Kwong Seng, who emphasised the importance of preparing the younger generation with both technical knowledge and soft skills.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress. By investing in STEM and English education, especially through engaging tools like robotics, we are empowering students to think critically, communicate effectively, and embrace innovation,” said Mr Eric Kiu.

Moving forward, SOP Foundation aims to extend Bright Minds 2025 in phases over a four-year period. The current roll-out benefits nine primary schools and IPGMKS, with the long-term goal of reaching all 38 primary schools under SOP Foundation’s Young Achievers Award (YAA) and Student Adoption Programme (SAP).

For more updates, visit www.sopfoundation.com