SABAH aims to achieve a student enrollment rate of 42 per cent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects by 2025.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Sabah, which currently records an enrollment rate of 28 per cent for STEM students, is second behind in the national ranking.
The STEM enrollment issue is one of the grassroots issues that needs to be resolved, he said while confident that with the continued momentum of the programmes by the Government and the support of the community including parents, Sabah is can reach the target of 42 per cent enrollment rate by 2025.
“This effort is in line with the State Government’s commitment to provide the best education to the people of Sabah, especially in STEM in an effort to produce quality human capital,” he said at the opening of the Keningau Science Centre at the Sabah State Library Keningau Branch, Keningau, on Dec 12. His speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister I cum Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan.
Hajiji said the Government is always concerned about the level of preparedness of young people in the face of global changes that are difficult to predict, especially in relation to future employment trends because by 2027 it is expected that 69 million new jobs related to STEM will be created, while 83 million existing jobs will be terminated.
“Various science culture efforts have also been implemented involving collaboration with strategic partners from the State and Federal as well as domestic and foreign agencies with the objective of fostering students’ interest in STEM subjects and then tending to choose a career path in the field.
“With the best education including mastering science, technology and innovation, we strive to change the quality of life of the people which will ultimately contribute to the success and excellence of the country, especially Sabah. It is also in line with the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan which emphasises human capital development,” he stressed.
He said the establishment of a science centre as an interactive, inspiring and inclusive knowledge hub to bring science learning to a higher level is a progressive initiative of the Government that aims to boost the current science and technology development in the country, especially in Sabah.
According to him, It is a step implemented with high determination and vision by the Government, looking at the urgent need to advance science and technology education among the people.
Hajiji said the Keningau Science Centre, which is worth RM3 million, using a development allocation of the 12th Malaysia Plan, is not just a building because it is a symbol of tenacity and creativity in teaching science through an unconventional approach, rather a hands-on, minds-on and hearts-on concept which was introduced as a form of revolution in science teaching and learning.
“This effort is to spark interest among students, bringing them into the flow of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” he said.
He said the establishment of this science centre is also the Government’s effort to provide equal opportunities to students and communities in the Upper Interior of Sabah.
It is a step towards equalising the level of science experience among students to ensure that there is no experience gap and dropout between those who live in the city and the rural areas, he added.
“This can also shape and produce a young generation who are not only skilled in the STEM field but also have creativity in creating innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit in commercialising their work, and then have a big economic impact on the local area, especially the Keningau district,” he added.
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