29-04-2025
Strengthening STEM education a national imperative
LETTERS: In today's world, where technological innovation and digital transformation drive economies and reshape societies, the mastery of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a necessity.
This journey must begin early, starting at the school level, where foundational interests and competencies are first nurtured to ensure we remain competitive in an increasingly complex global environment.
Schools must embrace project-based learning approaches that encourage students to engage with real-world problems, design prototypes, and innovate solutions.
Hands-on experience cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities, transforming STEM subjects from dry theory into living, inspiring experiences. Exposure to real-world applications of STEM knowledge is crucial.
Schools should forge partnerships with industries, research institutions and universities to provide field visits, workshops, mentorships and innovation camps.
Apart from introducing students to emerging technologies and making their career path in STEM more visible and tangible, we must bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry demands.
The heart of effective STEM education lies with the teachers. They must be empowered through structured and ongoing professional development to stay abreast of technological advances and innovative pedagogical techniques.
Teachers must also be supported with resources, teaching aids and mentorship, allowing them to deliver STEM content in an inspiring and accessible manner.
Next, incorporating digital technologies in classrooms, such as coding tools, robotics kits, virtual laboratories and simulation software, can make learning more interactive and relatable. Such exposure equips students with essential digital skills while making complex scientific concepts more understandable and engaging.
Lastly, beyond the school gates, a broader societal culture that values science, innovation and discovery must be nurtured.
National media campaigns, science fairs, innovation contests, and inspiring public figures in STEM fields should be leveraged to make science not only accessible but also aspirational, encouraging young minds to view STEM as a viable and exciting future.
Implementing these strategies will be a challenge. Laboratory facilities are often inadequate, Internet connectivity remains unreliable, and overcrowded classrooms stretch both physical resources and teacher attention thin.
Thus, targeted investments are urgently needed to upgrade rural school facilities, expand access to digital learning tools, and provide additional support for teachers, especially those serving underprivileged communities.
Efforts to cultivate STEM interest must be inclusive, ensuring that urban and rural talents flourish.
MOHD HISHAM MOHD SHARIF
Senior Lecturer,
College of Business,
Universiti Utara Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times
