KUALA LUMPUR: Student enrollment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in schools rose to 45.73 per cent as of August this year, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the increase was from 40.95 per cent recorded in 2021.
She said the ministry is consistently working to develop knowledgeable and skilled human capital to engage in the fields of STEM.
"We have implemented various proactive measures, namely enhancing students' interest through innovative learning approaches and curriculum enhancement, improving the skills and abilities of STEM teachers and raising awareness of STEM among students, parents, and the public.
"We are also working on enhancing the teachers' competence, as well as teaching and learning activities inside and outside the classroom to boost students' interest and encourage them to choose STEM disciplines," she said in response to Kamal Ashaari (PN-Kuala Krau) during the Minister's Question Time (MQT) today.
Kamal had asked about the Education Ministry's measures in dealing with the low participation of upper secondary students in the STEM stream from 2017 to 2022, which went from 45.2 per cent to 40.94 per cent, including the functions of the STEM Committee.
Fadhlina said a total of RM100 million has been allocated in the 2024 Budget for the empowerment of STEM.
The allocation was for the maintenance and upgrading of existing facilities and the purchase of equipment.
Fadhlina said the synergy between ministries was also further strengthened, including collaboration with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, Higher Education Ministry and the Human Resources Ministry to enhance the STEM education ecosystem.
"The ministry is also collaborating with Yayasan Petronas (YP) to implement 'Program Duta YP-KPM to empower 4,500 STEM teachers in enhancing Higher-Order Thinking Skills via STEM education."
She said such collaboration with the industry could strengthen the capabilities of STEM teachers in schools and aims to produce problem-solving and future-ready generations.
On the role of the STEM committee, Fadhlina said it consists of the STEM Education Steering Committee and the STEM Education Technical Committee.
"The committee will coordinate efforts to strengthen STEM education through strategic collaboration across ministries, state education departments, district education offices and schools.
"This committee serves as a platform to discuss critical STEM-related education issues that require immediate solutions to ensure the goals of STEM education are achieved."
