KOTA KINABALU: Progress is under way to establish a National STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Learning Centre to produce capable teachers passionate about the subjects.
Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said a teacher’s education campus institute had been identified to be turned into a STEM centre.
“We need more passionate teachers in science,” said Madius, referring to the RM25 million allocation for the setting up of the centre as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the 2018 Budget.
In collaboration with the Education Ministry, the National STEM Centre initiative, modelled after the one in York, United Kingdom, is one of the measures to boost science and maths excellence among Malaysians.
“In 1967, the government set a target whereby 60 per cent of students must take up science.
“However, a study revealed that only less than 21 per cent of students were eligible to take up science,” he said, adding that only 18 per cent of eligible students took up science.
Madius was speaking to the Sabah media fraternity at the Mosti-Media Night event here on Sunday night.
He said a second result would be released this year with indicators pointing to unimproved situation.
“That’s why we (Mosti) are collaborating with the National Science Council chaired by the prime minister by presenting strategies and programmes for the national STEM action plan.”
He said a technology foresight was needed, adding that the ministry through the Malaysian Science Academy had produced a documentary on Envisioning Malaysia 2050.
“Mosti is also advocating other ministries to have their own policies on science, innovation and technology to boost productivity and efficiency,” said Madius.