Stemming students’ loss of interest in STEM

School-leavers’ waning interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is a worrying trend as Malaysia heads towards an advanced nation status.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said to address this issue, a special committee would be set up to promote greater awareness among youths on the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI).

“As Malaysia aspires to be an advanced nation by 2030, we need to look into preparing enough talents to meet the growing demands in the future,” he said at the STEM Showcase 2023 ceremony held in conjunction with the state-level National Science Week 2023 at Han Chiang High School in Penang.

It was reported that based on the Education Ministry’s data last year, the percentage of upper secondary students studying in the STEM stream from 2017 to 2022 showed a decrease from 45.2% to 40.9%.

Chang said with the advancement of AI (artificial intelligence) globally, Malaysia too would need a labour force highly- skilled in specific areas such as AI and robotics.

“We need our youths to be prepared with different sets of skills to face the demands and challenges of future technologies such as AI.

“There have been concerns that AI will take over our jobs in the future but I can assure you that the technology will only make our jobs easier. And even AI needs manpower to carry out maintenance works,” he said in his speech.

Chang said the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) would strengthen its ties with Penang by having more initiatives for the development of STI here.

“In the past, we have worked closely with agencies such as the Yayasan Inovasi Malaysia, Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation, Cradle Fund and the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation to provide platforms for local entrepreneurs in Penang to plan and execute innovative ideas to benefit the community at large,” he said.

He added that Penang was among the states that played a significant role in the development of STI in the country.

Chang said Mosti had also been supporting Tech Dome Penang in its educational programmes and exhibitions annually.

The two-day showcase featured various activities such as the Grand STEM Challenge, Mini Rubic Cube 2023 Competition, 3D design competition, Corporate Technology Showcase, Education Booths, STEM Innovations Showcase Excel Hackathon and many others.

Flex, Intel Technology Sdn Bhd and Jabil were the main event sponsors.

The first edition of the showcase was held on May 12 and 13 at the UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College in Batu Kawan, with an impressive turnout of 9,000 students.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in his speech, said a total of 45,464 primary and secondary school students had attended programmes, workshops and other activities organised by STEM centres in Penang between January and June this year.

In addition, he said Penang was committed towards addressing the shortage of skilled talents by setting a target to train at least 20,000 participants in the field of STEM or technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Chow also thanked Mosti, Han Chiang High School, sponsors and partners for collectively spearheading initiatives such as the STEM showcase and the National Science Week.

“Such initiatives help instil interest in STEM among students.

“The significant influence of industry experts in such initiatives is also highly commendable for without their involvement, it is not possible to make such programmes a success,” he said.

At the close of the showcase, Jabil donated two robots, which were featured at their booth, to Tech Dome Penang.

The robots – Dobot Collaborative Robotic Tic Tac Toe and Robot Palm were both worth about RM100,000.

Flex also donated a high-tech Printed Circuit Board (PCB) component placement machine to Tech Dome Penang, valued over RM900,000 (USD200,000).

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, who is also the state human capital development, science and technology committee chairman, Mosti secretary-general Datuk Dr Aminuddin Hassim, state secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar, Han Chiang board of directors chairman Datuk Ooi Soo Hing and Air Putih assemblyman Lim Guan Eng.

(From left, in blazers) Chang, Jagdeep (partly hidden) and Chow being briefed at the Jabil booth during the STEM Showcase 2023 at Han Chiang High School in Penang. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star