Efforts to Place 100 Scientists in 100 Schools to Enhance STEM Excellence

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s initiative to place 100 scientists in 100 schools to conduct programs is expected to help schools excel and spark students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

According to Berita Harian, the President of the Malaysian Muslim Teachers’ Association (i-Guru), Mohd Azizee Hasan, expressed strong support for the Prime Minister’s proposal on this matter.

He stated that the collaboration between the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) is hoped to attract students’ interest in Science and Mathematics.

“The Prime Minister’s proactive step is hoped to enhance school excellence in STEM, ensuring that the nation’s education remains relevant and future-proof, especially in meeting the challenges of the digital era, artificial intelligence (AI), and Industry 5.0 (IR 5.0).

“This collaboration is expected to spark students’ interest in STEM by strengthening their foundation in Science and Mathematics, particularly at the primary school level,” he told BH today.

Yesterday, the Prime Minister directed the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chang Lih Kang, to list 100 biotechnology scientists to conduct programs aimed at attracting students’ interest in STEM at 100 schools.

In this regard, Anwar requested a report on the matter to be submitted to him within two weeks.

Meanwhile, today, the MOE announced that it will immediately implement the program with scientists in 100 schools nationwide to boost students’ interest in STEM.

The Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, was reported as saying that the program will be carried out in collaboration with MOSTI.

She mentioned that on May 30, MOE, together with the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and MOSTI, took the initiative to establish a Special STEM Committee focused on the direction of STEM from the school level to higher education.

Further commenting, Mohd Azizee expressed hope that MOE would address important issues in Science and Mathematics, especially concerning the curriculum at the primary school level, including content, topics, and assessment formats.

He noted that Science and Mathematics teaching should be implemented in a ‘hands-on’ manner rather than purely theoretical, and that instruction should be activity-based and ‘fun learning.’

Additionally, he said MOE needs to work on improving infrastructure and facilities in schools to facilitate the teaching and learning process.

He suggested that MOE could also leverage existing STEM data and collaborate with government-linked companies (GLCs) in this effort.