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The Star
4 days ago
- Science
- The Star
To infinity and beyond
Malaysia's efforts to boost science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education may soon reach new heights through the potential of space exploration. Pointing to data from the Education Ministry, National STEM Association president and founder Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Noraini Idris noted that interest in STEM at the secondary level remains below the national goal of 60%. Prof Ahmad According to ministry data, some 50.83% students enrolled for STEM streams last year. One reason for this shortfall, according to Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Ibrahim of the UCSI University Tan Sri Omar Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, is the perception that STEM subjects are highly technical and difficult. 'People see STEM as something difficult and complex, so students are not so keen,' he said. Space exploration, both experts noted, could help change this perception by sparking students' curiosity and making STEM more relatable. 'STEM education is something that has to be made exciting, and space is one tool that can be used to spark interest,' Prof Ahmad said. Agreeing, Prof Noraini said space can uniquely inspire awe and motivate students to pursue STEM fields. Pioneering steps Nonee Ashirin Building on this vision, momentum gathered at the recent Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025 (Lima' 25), where Ocullospace Sdn Bhd and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA) formalised a landmark partnership to prepare Malaysia's youth for a future in space. This collaboration aims to transform how Malaysian students engage with space – starting in classrooms and collaborative global projects. MYSA director general Datuk Azlikamil Napiah underscored the importance of strengthening space education for Malaysia's ambitions in the sector. 'Space education is important to ensure the sustainability and enhancement of the country's capacity and capability in the space sector,' he said. He added that investing in education is also key to developing local talent and keeping pace with rapid advancements in space technology. 'It is significant to establish human capital development and synchronise with fast advancement in the space technology ecosystem. Azlikamil 'By 2030, we hope our efforts will develop expertise and cultivate highly skilled young talent to help Malaysia achieve high-tech nation status,' he said. At the heart of this initiative is the upcoming National Space Education Academy, envisioned as a central hub for advanced learning and public engagement in satellite technology, Earth observation, space exploration and data analytics. To bring science to life, the partnership will also launch national competitions such as nanosatellite design challenges and satellite coding contests, giving students hands-on experience to hone problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Malaysia will also adopt world-renowned programmes such as NASA HUNCH (High School Students United with NASA to Create Hardware) and DreamUp – exposing students to real-world space projects and collaboration with global experts. Azlikamil said these initiatives support Malaysia's vision to become a regional hub for space technology and innovation, with aspirations for the space sector to contribute at least 1% (RM10bil) to the country's gross domestic product by 2030 and create 5,000 jobs. Malaysia's first Young Cosmonaut School Mazlan In addition, come 2027, Malaysia's first Young Cosmonaut School – officially known as the International Youth Space Academy (IYSA) – will open its doors to its first batch of students. The academy is a joint effort between the Nonee Ashirin Foundation (NAF) – a non-profit organisation empowering young people to explore space careers – and Singapore-based international research and education organisation CWC Enterprise Pte Ltd. Its mission is to inspire and equip the next generation of space leaders. The IYSA, which was also launched at Lima'25 on May 20 under the newly introduced A.T.M.O.S Sphere, will be located in Penang. The A.T.M.O.S Sphere is a high-tech exhibition, showcasing how space technology is driving progress in climate science, telecommunications, navigation, agriculture and national security. 'This agreement marks our commitment to building a sustainable space ecosystem in Malaysia. Through collaboration and education, we are laying the groundwork for long-term growth in the global space economy,' NAF founder Datuk Nonee Ashirin Mohd Radzi said. The academy will work closely with international and local partners – including trainers from Russia's renowned Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, the Association Ecology of the Unknown, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Malaysia's own astrophysicist Tan Sri Mazlan Othman, and Tech Dome Penang. The IYSA, said Nonee Ashirin, aligns closely with national education goals to strengthen STEM and cultivate a future-ready workforce. 'This academy supports national frameworks like the 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and Economy (MySTIE) Framework and the Malaysia Education Blueprint, which aims to increase STEM enrolment to 60% this year,' she explained. She added that while Malaysia has made significant strides in building STEM capabilities, bringing space education into the mix makes STEM more engaging and aspirational for young minds. 'By nurturing interest in space science, we are equipping students with the mindset and skills to lead in high-value, high-tech sectors that are key to our country's economic transformation,' she said. Weighing in, Prof Noraini noted that Malaysia has long recognised space and aerospace as critical drivers for high-tech growth under the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and the MySTIE Framework. 'Programmes like the IYSA provide a direct channel to develop interest, capability, and eventual workforce readiness in these areas,' she said. Beyond meeting national targets, Nonee Ashirin views the IYSA as a platform to help Malaysian youth see space as a real and attainable future. 'From mission simulations and robotics labs to mentorship from global astronauts and engineers, students will be immersed in a world that fosters innovation, resilience and vision,' she said. The IYSA, said Prof Noraini, will not only strengthen STEM content knowledge but also build critical 21st-century skills. 'Such programmes are vital for creating sustained interest in STEM, especially when integrated with Malaysia's school curriculum and co-curricular ecosystems. More importantly, space-based projects promote interdisciplinary thinking, which is critical for cultivating innovation in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,' she added. More than skills Egorov Meanwhile, Russian cosmonaut trainer Timofey Egorov stressed the importance of character in space training. 'For space flights, the level of ethics of a person will be especially important for future space missions because these missions will probably be long-term and connected with long isolation in a closed volume of a spaceship (space station),' he said. Such conditions, he noted, can trigger profound psychological challenges that require strong ethical grounding to maintain a healthy and sustainable environment among crew members. As a pioneer of the Angkasawan programme that sent Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor Al Masrie Sheikh Mustapha to the International Space Station, Malaysia's first astrophysicist Mazlan emphasised that aspiring astronauts must possess exceptional human qualities. 'If you look at the competition in the United States, for instance – when you read their CVs, they have multiple PhDs, they've been to flying school, skydiving, ocean diving. 'They are full of drive and fearless. That's the sort of people we need to nurture to bring Malaysia to space and succeed there,' she said. A mission in space demands extraordinary resilience, teamwork and character, she stressed. 'It's not like flying on an aeroplane where there's a large crew – there are only three of you in the capsule,' she added.
Daily Express
09-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Urgent need to revamp Sabah's mental health-care system
Published on: Wednesday, July 09, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jul 09, 2025 Text Size: Noraini said mental health literacy among the public must be strengthened to ensure psychological disorders are not left untreated or allowed to spiral into violent outcomes. Tuaran: Former Senator Datuk Noraini Idris called for the revamping of Sabah's mental healthcare system following a tragic incident in Tenghilan, here, where a female teacher was reportedly killed by her own brother, believed to suffer from mental health issues. Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Noraini expressed her condolences to the victim's family and said the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call to the public and authorities alike. 'We must stop treating mental health as a secondary concern. This is a public safety and community well-being issue,' she said in a statement, Monday. Noraini said mental health literacy among the public must be strengthened to ensure psychological disorders are not left untreated or allowed to spiral into violent outcomes. She urged the State Government and Sabah Health Department to prioritise mental healthcare as part of broader efforts to safeguard communities. Among the proposals she outlined were upgrading facilities and services at Bukit Padang Hospital, including increasing the number of psychiatric specialists and expanding patient capacity. She also called for the establishment of dedicated mental health support centres in each district to provide early screening, family counselling and referral pathways for chronic cases. 'Access to treatment must be made easier and more inclusive, especially for families who lack the resources or knowledge to seek help on their own,' she said. Noraini also recommended expanding mental health education programmes in schools, workplaces and local communities to help people recognise early warning signs and overcome the stigma associated with seeking treatment. She further stressed the need for systematic follow-up procedures for patients discharged from mental health facilities, including coordinated efforts between hospitals, families and local authorities. 'The Tenghilan tragedy is a painful reminder that mental health affects everyone, regardless of background. 'Treatment and support must be at the centre of our response, not just sympathy after something terrible happens,' she said. Noraini reaffirmed her support for initiatives aimed at strengthening mental healthcare delivery in Sabah, saying the physical and emotional well-being of the people should be treated as a priority across all levels of governance. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Daily Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Club on what it takes to empower Sabah women entrepreneurs
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: Noraini also called for the creation of a mentorship and networking platform for women entrepreneurs in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu: Kelab Usahawanita Sabah Chairperson Datuk Noraini Idris has called for the establishment of a more structured and inclusive support ecosystem to empower women entrepreneurs across Sabah, particularly those in rural areas. She proposed a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening the capabilities and reach of women-led enterprises in the State, including a women-focused entrepreneurial and skills training programme, encompassing intensive training on technical skills, financial management, business operations, digital marketing and innovation. 'Such programmes will help make us more competent in facing the challenges of today's dynamic marketplace,' she said at the 2025 Sabah Women Empowerment Programme at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here Tuesday. The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Noraini also called for the creation of a mentorship and networking platform for women entrepreneurs in Sabah. 'We propose a mentorship initiative in collaboration with successful entrepreneurs and industry players, where experienced women entrepreneurs guide newcomers. This will promote the formation of professional and social networks to share knowledge and business opportunities,' she said. A third proposal was to enhance market access initiatives through the organisation of trade exhibitions and expos, enabling women entrepreneurs to connect with broader and more diverse markets. She also urged for targeted support for women entrepreneurs in rural industries, ensuring that empowerment programmes are tailored to the realities and constraints faced by rural women so that they are not left behind in the State's economic development. 'In line with the digital economy, we also need sustained support in digital marketing. Creating dedicated e-commerce platforms for Sabah's women entrepreneurs – similar to Shopee, Lazada or even a home-grown platform – can open wider market access, both nationally and internationally,' she said. Noraini proposed for the establishment of a one-stop centre in each district to centralise marketing, promotional activities, product display and training. 'These centres could serve as hubs for information sharing on funding opportunities, training programmes, and support services tailored to women entrepreneurs,' she explained. She also expressed appreciation for the impact of the Sabah Women Empowerment Programme, saying the participants gained invaluable insights and were inspired by success stories shared during the event. 'These stories have given us the courage to move forward and face complex economic challenges,' she said. Noraini also commended Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and its strategic partners for providing comprehensive support, particularly in exposing women to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, digital training and capacity building. 'We feel more prepared to enter larger markets and compete in an increasingly demanding economic landscape,' she said. According to her, the programme successfully fostered connections among participants, building a unique support community that will continue to empower its members. 'We believe this network will become a valuable asset as we strive for personal and business advancement,' she added. She also extended her heartfelt thanks to the Deputy Prime Minister for his leadership and support of women's economic empowerment. 'As women entrepreneurs in Sabah, we face a unique set of challenges, especially those related to access to capital and market networks – particularly for women in rural areas,' she said. While there are financing schemes available through agencies such as Mara and other government bodies, Noraini said access to information about these schemes remains limited. 'Many rural women entrepreneurs are unaware of the financing schemes available and the procedures involved in applying for them,' she said, adding that poor infrastructure and geographical isolation further hinder access to technology and digital platforms. 'In this context, programmes like this are crucial. They do not just impart knowledge and skills but also open the door to much-needed support from both government agencies and the private sector,' she said. The Sabah Women Empowerment Programme had created meaningful impact by boosting knowledge, skills and self-confidence among women in the State. 'This initiative aligns with the Government's goal of increasing women's participation in entrepreneurship and economic growth. Women are not just the backbone of families—they are the drivers of the national economy,' she said. She emphasised that such programmes demonstrate the Government's commitment to providing more opportunities, mentorship and support to ensure that women become competitive, resilient and successful entrepreneurs. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘Plant seeds of STEM early'
PETALING JAYA: Subjects like biology and chemistry must be made more interesting in schools so students take up STEM subjects, and go on to become doctors and biotechnologists. In fact, pupils at primary school level should already be introduced to medical professions through story books, simple experiments, and interaction with healthcare workers, say experts. At the same time, technical and vocational education training (TVET) programmes can also be reconfigured to include more STEM courses to produce medical technicians and biomedical engineers. STEM, or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, also needs to be more prominent in media, popular culture, and national planning, says National STEM Association (NSA) president and founder Datuk Dr Noraini Idris. 'When students see STEM professionals as role models on television, in their communities, it shifts the cultural perception of science from abstract to aspirational,' she said. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad had said recently that there was a lack of interest in STEM subjects. Noraini, however, replied that career exposure should begin earlier than Form Four, including mentorship pipelines, scholarship schemes, and identification of talent through competitions, innovation challenges, and enrichment camps. 'Students who show aptitude and interest must be supported with long-term guidance and opportunities. 'When students make subject selections, they should already have a mental map of what it means to be a doctor, biotechnologist or epidemiologist,' she said. Noraini said students now often find STEM subjects abstract or difficult, lacking clear links to real careers. 'There is a need for systemic career exposure such as school visits by healthcare professionals or shadowing opportunities to spark interest. 'We also need a stronger collaboration between the health and education sectors,' she said. Another major shortfall, she said, was the limited professional development support for teachers. 'Teachers cannot inspire students if they themselves are not inspired or adequately equipped. STEM content evolves rapidly, and without regular, hands-on training and upskilling, teachers may struggle to deliver lessons that feel relevant and engaging to the youth of today,' Noraini said. She said her association could help in that area. 'With years of experience running on-ground programmes such as the Mini Theatre STEM initiative, which now reaches over 80 schools-the NSA has proven models that foster both student engagement and teacher empowerment,' she said. Rizan Hasan of the Belia Mahir Project said the Health Minister's warning must be taken seriously, and that TVET education has to evolve beyond traditional vocational training. Instead, it should become a pipeline for producing highly skilled, STEM-literate professionals, including in the healthcare sector. 'TVET must be recognised as part of the nation's human capital development ecosystem for critical sectors, not just for basic technical jobs. 'TVET can produce medical lab technologists, biomedical engineering technologists, highly skilled nurses, digital health assistants and technical specialists in advanced medical equipment,' he said. To increase interest in TVET and STEM, Rizan said Belia Mahir has independently launched a pilot programme at schools in Kulim, Kedah. 'Our independent programme, however, is lacking infrastructure and facilities such as workshops, labs, tech equipment and specialised materials. 'Rural schools are especially affected, often lacking even basic technology access as well as educators who are experts in TVET and STEM fields. 'It is difficult to merge hands-on TVET elements with STEM theory without a national framework,' he said. Meanwhile, Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said the agency was scaling up initiatives to make biology, chemistry and mathematics more engaging. He said Mara was implementing the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Rocket Fair in its junior science colleges to embed inquiry-based learning, interdisciplinary projects, and real-world applications into the curriculum. Mara is also expanding Mobile Robotics STEM Labs, Digital Technova Bootcamps and Community STEM Camps, especially in collaboration with the Orang Asli Development Department to reach rural areas. Asyraf said Mara adopts the 'STEM Berfokus' approach where students begin learning physics, chemistry, and biology from Form One.
