PM calls for young scientist 'brigade' to drive STEM interest in schools

The Star

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants 100 young scientists to give talks in 100 schools to spur students' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Launching the National Bioeconomy Showcase 2024 on Wednesday (July 17), the Prime Minister expressed concern over the declining interest in STEM subjects and the widening gap between urban and rural schools in this field, adding that the lack of interest in STEM should be tackled through a multi-ministry approach that also involves the private sector.  Anwar also tasked Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang to work with the Education Ministry on ways to spur interest in STEM subjects.   Read more at https://tinyurl.com/3us24v7a   WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

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00:00So that's why the science, technology, and innovation sector has been strengthened, STI.

00:12And this foundation has been strengthened through the science, biotechnology of the country,

00:20which is carried out by the Ministry.

00:23And I suggest that programs like this should attract the attention of researchers from local universities.

00:31And there is also a plan to introduce it to children at school.

00:35We are facing a problem now because the interest of school children in STEM is declining.

00:44The country needs tens of thousands of additional people.

00:49Technologists, biotech, digital, AI.

00:53But the interest of children is declining.

00:56And there are many reasons.

01:01But the important thing is not to look for an excuse, but how can we find all the ways.

01:07That's why I suggest that you should work closely with the Ministry of Education

01:18so that the program can increase the interest of children in STEM

01:27more than what we have seen before.

01:32I would like to say that Biocon can increase the effort.

01:41Earlier, Suradika promised that the investment will increase.

01:50I believe it, but we have to look at it.

01:54We have to pay attention to the progress so that the investment is made through a more sustainable work structure.

02:07Because this will also provide greater job opportunities.

02:12And I believe that this effort will be beneficial.

02:18And because of this effort, there is an old friend of mine,

02:27but I have not given him an incentive.

02:30So I agree that we should give an additional two million ringgit this year.

02:37Those who are present may understand more,

02:41but they also have to understand that this is a new era, a new industry.

02:48It cannot develop yet in the minds of the people.

02:52So that's why I hope that programs like this can promote the industry,

02:58and it can also be changed to one or two other areas.

03:02Although in a small way, and some of the small protocols that I have given may be useful

03:09to be around, if not in schools, in several areas of choice.

03:20Because it is very important that we provide education to young people in schools and middle schools

03:29to stimulate interest and action in this field.

03:34Because I was upset earlier about the lack of interest in STEM,

03:41but when there are several ways of enlightenment from scientists and mathematicians,

03:47it can be improved on its own.

03:49So that's why I always appeal to professionals in this field,

03:54including the ministry and the agency,

03:57so that once in a while, once a month, once every two months,

04:01they can choose to go to school, to go to university.

04:06So they will be amazed by young scientists, PhDs from all over the world,

04:12making education in various fields.

04:15So it can be done.

04:18Or from companies that are successful.

04:21For example, a company with the status of a bionexus.

04:25That in itself will boost, because under the accelerator program,

04:34we can use the information that has been delivered to the lower levels.

04:39So don't underestimate this, because we get information from middle schools,

04:46especially in the outskirts of the city and in the villages.

04:49That's a long way to go.

04:51So if possible, there are a hundred scientists and biotech,

04:58from agencies, from ministries, from companies.

05:02Once a month, two or three hours, go to school in the middle,

05:07and give a little enlightenment.

05:10That will be of great benefit to our children.

05:16I ask Likang and Buncai to arrange,

05:22and maybe in two weeks, they will give me a report on the plan that will be presented.

05:28I always give two weeks to get a list of 100 people

05:32who will go to 100 schools across the country.

05:40www.likang.org

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