Drop in STEM talents raises govt concern

IPOH: The government is concerned over the drop in the quantity of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) talents as this will lead to the nation not achieving the 60% target of high skilled workers by 2020.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (pix) said as of last year the nation has only achieved 28% of the target.
“What more with the 10% brain drain of graduates who migrate,” he said in his keynote address at the fourth Pangkor International Development Dialogue here today.
Madius said although students are being taught skills while pursuing their higher education for current market needs it may not be relevant when they enter the job market as it may change.
When asked on plans to address the drop in students taking up courses related to STEM, he said, they plan to use education system to achieve the target of skilled workers by 2020.
He added there is a need to change the mind-set from job seekers to job creators.
He said they plan to make science an interesting and creative subject for the students.
Some countries have implemented the inquiry-based learning which starts by posing questions, problems or scenarios – rather than simply presenting established facts or portraying a smooth path to knowledge.
According to Madius the government has started implementing this in some schools in Kuala Lumpur and it had worked.
“I’ve discussed with Education Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid on how it could be implemented nationwide.
The inaugural National Science Council meeting chaired by the prime minister had tasked my ministry to work with the Higher Education and Education ministries to develop a STEM action plan.