By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Aug 3: Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong has hinted at adopting a centralisation approach to address shortage of teachers to teach Science and Mathematics in English.
The state Education, Science and Technological Research Minister said in some schools, teachers in other subjects had to teach Maths and Science due to the lack of specialised teachers.
The state will implement the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English to Year One pupils starting next year.
“In some schools, teachers from other subjects were forced to teach Maths and Science subjects and I think that if we implement a centralisation approach, we can improve the situation (teacher shortage),” he said when launching the STEM Playground Miri 2019, here, today.
On another note, Manyin expressed concern with the low enrolment of students in the Science stream in Sarawak, despite the slight increase this year when compared to 2018.
“The enrolment for this year is at 24.3 per cent, compared to 23.2 per cent last year.
“However, a smaller number of enrolment into Science in upper secondary will reduce the number of entry into technical and STEM courses in tertiary education,” he opined.
Manyin said it is crucial for the state government to provide and expose students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education at an early age, to ensure continous development and progress of the nation.
“We must provide opportunities for students to explore STEM-related concepts and subsequently pursue a career in STEM-related fields,” he continued.
Some 4,000 people visited the STEM Playground during the launching ceremony. The two-day interactive exhibition features 61 booths.
The event is organised by Tabung Ekonomu Gagasan Anak Bumiputera Sarawak (TEGAS) supported by Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) in collaboration with Curtin Malaysia Miri campus and Pustaka Miri.
TEGAS board members — Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and Batu Danau assemblyman Paulus Gumbang, as well as TEGAS chief operating officer Awangku Merali Pengiran Mohamed, were present. — DayakDaily
