By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, March 29: Current student enrolment into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) package classes in the State is still low.
According to Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, the current enrolment is only 30 per cent, and far below the target of 45 per cent set for 2030.
He added, the smaller number of enrolments into STEM package classes at Form 4 and 5 levels would mean that smaller numbers of entries into technical and STEM courses in tertiary education.
“Meaning, we really need to work extra hard in order to achieve our target of 45 per cent by 2030,” he opined.
Speaking at the C-Learnt intervention workshop in Miri which was attended by 88 primary school teachers under the Subis District Education Department, Roland Sagah emphasized the importance of STEM in ensuring Sarawak’s continuous development and progress.
“Sarawak would required technical expertise not only in computing but also in other technical areas to drive its digital economy,” he explained.
Moreover, he added, Sarawak needs a large pool of talent with strong STEM background.
“The World Economic Forum’s report states that as many as 65 per cent of children in primary school today will work in new STEM-based fields in the future when they enter the workforce, and Sarawak is no exception,” he said.
Also present at the intervention workshop was MEITD deputy minister Dr Annuar Rapaee. — DayakDaily
