Hajiji: Sabah must reform education system to tackle future challenges
He said the latest research data from 2024 revealed that only 65 per cent of students demonstrated good or excellent problem-solving skills, while just 72 per cent were confident in applying scientific knowledge in daily life.
"These figures show that we cannot afford to be complacent. Many students are still struggling to understand basic science, technology, engineering and mathematics concepts.
"Therefore, educational transformation must become a top priority for all stakeholders," he said at the launch of the International Educational Research Conference "Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration" (ARISE) 2025 at the Sabah International Convention Centre here.
Hajiji added that teaching approaches rooted in research and innovation must be strengthened and mainstreamed to ensure Sabah's education system remains relevant, inclusive and competitive.
The chief minister also called on educators, educational institutions, researchers and policymakers to continuously explore and improve pedagogical methods to align with the digital era and current industry needs.
He added that ARISE 2025, which brings together more than 600 participants from Malaysia and abroad, including from the United Kingdom, Spain, the Philippines, China and Ireland, serves as a crucial platform for pioneering global educational collaboration.
He also said the state government has allocated RM41.75 million this year to the state Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, as well as Sabah Skills and Training and Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centres, to implement training and skills empowerment programmes.
Among those programmes are Borneo Science Expedition, Sabah Science Carnival, Technology and Innovation Competitions, STEM Education Festival, Roboneo Programme and Sabah Screen Fest.
Hajiji said all are crucial platforms to cultivate students' interest in technology and engineering.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Malaysia to table Atomic Bill amendments
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is stepping up its push into nuclear energy, as the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) prepares to propose key amendments to the Atomic Energy Bill – a move aimed at reinforcing the nation's nuclear regulatory framework. Minister Chang Lih Kang said the move reflects Malaysia's commitment to exploring nuclear as a future energy source, alongside early progress in thorium (a radioactive metallic element) extraction. 'A pre-feasibility study on nuclear energy has been completed. Initial findings show strong potential for Malaysia to pursue this path,' he said in response to Kuala Terengganu MP Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN). Following the study, six technical task forces were proposed – three of which are led by Mosti. They focus on technology and industrial development, nuclear skills and expertise and the legal-regulatory structure. Chang also previously confirmed that the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 will be amended to support the next phase of development. Malaysia currently has 323 research officers at the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers at the Atomic Energy Department. Of these, 61 hold qualifications in nuclear science or engineering. 'This reflects our commitment to developing local talent to support safe and responsible use of nuclear technology.' Chang said international cooperation is also a core strategy. He said Malaysia is working closely with global agencies on technical training, joint research, technology transfer and capacity building nuclear science. 'On July 10, we signed a strategic civil nuclear agreement with the United States. This is a major catalyst for long-term collaboration on Malaysia's civil nuclear ambitions.' Malaysia is also pursuing similar partnerships with China and Russia to build capacity in nuclear power generation. 'The partnerships will give us access to cutting-edge expertise, proven technologies and best practices, which are critical for building our infrastructure and local industry.' Chang added that Malaysia collaborates with the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation to detect nuclear weapons tests and use scientific data for natural disaster monitoring, including earthquakes and tsunamis. Malaysia also maintains strong ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency through technical cooperation, regional agreements and research collaborations under the Asian Nuclear Cooperation Forum. Beyond power generation, Chang said nuclear technology is already being used to tackle environmental and climate challenges.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Malaysia powers up nuclear push
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is moving closer to adopting nuclear energy as part of its long-term energy transition strategy. Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Minister Chang Lih Kang (pic) said a pre-feasibility study on nuclear power has been completed. He said the initial findings showed that nuclear energy had strong potential to serve as a stable, clean and reliable power source for the country. 'In line with this, six technical task forces have been proposed to support nuclear energy readiness. 'Three of these are under Mosti, focusing on technology and industry development, development of nuclear competencies and a legal and regulatory framework,' Chang told the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. The remaining three teams will fall under the purview of the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, he said. Chang said the country now has 323 nuclear researchers under the Malaysian Nuclear Agency and 36 science officers under the Atomic Energy Department, holding qualifications in nuclear science and engineering. He said Malaysia was working to amend its Atomic Energy Act to enable the ratification of key international treaties and conventions under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 'Once approved by the Cabinet, we aim to table the amended Act in this Parliament session. 'This will demonstrate Malaysia's seriousness in exploring nuclear energy as one of our power generation options,' he said. Chang also confirmed that Malaysia signed a strategic civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States on July 10, complementing its existing collaborations with China and Russia. 'The agreement will act as a catalyst for long-term cooperation in infrastructure development, joint research, technical training and local industry strengthening,' he added. He said Malaysia was also working closely with the IAEA through technical cooperation programmes, regional partnerships, the Asian Nuclear Cooperation Forum and coordinated research projects. Beyond power generation, he said, nuclear technology is also being used in climate and environmental research.
New Straits Times
2 days ago
- New Straits Times
Malaysia to amend atomic law to explore nuclear energy
KUALA LUMPUR: The bill to amend Malaysia's atomic energy legislation may be tabled in the current parliamentary session, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Chang said the move to enact the law would reflect Malaysia's commitment to exploring nuclear energy as a future energy source. "The ministry is currently in the process of amending the Atomic Energy Bill. If we receive Cabinet approval, we hope to table it during this session," he said during Minister's Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat today. On March 10, Chang said that the government will be amending the Atomic Energy Licensing Act 1984 to further strengthen the legal infrastructure dealing with nuclear technology. At the time, the government was engaging with stakeholders to gather input before moving forward with the use of nuclear technology as an energy source, which is expected to be incorporated into the 13th Malaysia Plan. Chang, in Parliament today, said Malaysia has the laboratory expertise to extract thorium, but lacks the research and development capacity to utilise the element as a source of electricity — unlike countries such as China. "We are enhancing our research and development capabilities through collaboration with nations that have expertise, such as China, Russia, India and the United States," he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Haji Ahmad Amzad Mohamed @ Hashim (PN–Kuala Terengganu). Chang said that a pre-feasibility study conducted by a committee under the ministry had been completed, with preliminary findings indicating that Malaysia has significant potential to adopt nuclear technology as an energy source.
