Education Ministry to boost funding for Asean Islamic Science Camp 2026 to expand student participation and strengthen STEM education.
NILAI: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is prepared to increase funding for next year’s ASEAN Islamic Science Camp (AISC) to expand the programme and enable greater student participation, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said.
She said the initiative reflects the ministry’s commitment to nurturing young talent through international programmes that promote excellence in science, technology and innovation.
“We regard these children as precious gems and valuable national assets. The additional allocation will help increase student participation and strengthen planning so AISC can become one of the country’s key educational programmes,” she said when officiating the closing ceremony of AISC 2026 here today.
Fadhlina said strengthening Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains a national priority.
She also called for greater efforts to foster a culture of STEM and innovation among students through a holistic approach that balances scientific learning with character development, humanitarian values and personal growth.
The seven-day AISC 2026, which began on July 17, brought together 165 students aged 13 to 16 from 22 schools and institutions.
Held under the theme “Empowering Young Muslim Scientists for a Sustainable Future”, the camp served as an experiential learning platform integrating naqli knowledge (the Quran and Hadith) with aqli knowledge (rational thought) in science, technology and innovation.
The programme also focused on developing scientific skills, halal science applications, sustainability, research and innovation among gifted and talented students.
