Kota Kinabalu: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI) aims to rekindle interest among Sabahan students in STEM subjects through its 4-year plan to empower science, technology and innovation in the state.
Its Minister, Datuk Ariffin Arif, acknowledged the worrying decline in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) owing to a mere 27 percent of students involved in STEM courses this year, stressing Sabah is falling far short of reaching its target of 60pc science and 40pc arts stream.
In his reply to Appointed Assemblyman, Datuk Jafari Wiliam during the Question and Answer session at the State Legislative Assembly, Ariffin said the ministry pledges to reverse the decline since the state requires skilled human capital in the technical, science and technology fields to meet future employment needs.
“This led to the enactment of the KSTI’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, and the restructuring of the role of the State Council of Technology Development and Innovation (MaPTis) to fulfil the goals and the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Sabah Development Plan.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more Ariffin noted among the main initiatives include the State Science Awards launched in 23 June 2023 which is aimed at giving recognition to Sabah’s scientists, technologists and innovators, spur healthy competition, creativity and innovation in various fields in the state.
Meanwhile, awards were given to teachers and students in recognition of their efforts and innovation, adding the Ministry is working closely with state and federal agencies to conduct various programmes to empower STEM among Sabahan students.
“The idea is to dispel incorrect assumptions that science is a difficult subject,” said Ariffin, noting the programme can also indirectly build awareness among parents, teachers and community on the importance of STEM education and related careers.
He said the Ministry was allocated RM250,000 to conduct a STEM Fiesta programme which was launched in 16 May 2023 at Beaufort untill & September 2023 at Ranau.
The programme, which is held at all 24 District Education Offices, generated encouraging response among teachers and students with each district registering between 600-1000 participants.
Ariffin said the Ministry also enhanced the role of state public libraries through the establishment of a Science, Technology and Innovation centre at each library branch which involved a total cost of RM3 million, and is expected to begin operations by the end of 2023.
“We also received agreement to construct a STI Centre at Tawau and Sandakan which is worth more than RM10.2 million from Petronas,” he said.
Furthermore, he said there were also plans to implement high impact projects such as the building the Sabah Science Centre in Kota Kinabalu which will include interactive learning on science, planetarium, Scientific Research Centre, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics, Islamic Civilisation and Science.
Ariffin noted the Ministry has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Guangzi Science and Technology Museum of China which agreed to place over 60 of its scientific exhibits at the Tanjung Aru State Library throughout the state for three years.
The Exhibition is expected to arrive in the month of September.
He said there are various STEM empowerment programs that have been conducted and currently being planned which include: Sabah Science Council 2023, Sabah Science Carnival 2023, STEM Fiesta, State-level Science Week, Kembara Sains Borneo, PLUS- STEM, Mini Theater STEM, STEM Speaker Series, Sabah National Science Challenge, Malaysia Techlympics Sabah Zone.
Furthermore, he said the ministry was also allocated a sum of RM600,000 to upgrade 14 laboratories at secondary schools and 16 science centres at primary schools.
“We are also identifying a number of companies to help with the setting-up of science corners and makers space at schools in the state,” he said.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.