Malaysia is facing a significant decline in student enrollment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects, raising concerns about the future availability of skilled workers in these critical fields. According to recent statistics, only 16.64% of secondary school students (61,333 students) opted for the STEM A package in 2023, while a mere 5.43% (about 20,014 students) chose the STEM B package. This downward trend threatens the nation’s ability to sustain economic growth and maintain its competitiveness on the global stage.
The importance of nurturing STEM talent has never been more urgent, particularly as the nation navigates the challenges and opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This era of rapid technological advancement demands a workforce proficient in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Cultivating these skills from an early age is essential not only for individual career success but also for driving national innovation and economic development.
Recognizing this critical need, Prof. Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain from the Faculty of Science at Universiti Malaya, alongside her dedicated team—Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar, Director of the UM STEM Center, and Dr. Zati Hakim Azizul Hassan from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology—spearheaded the creation of Kelab MySTAR. This initiative, focused on fostering a love for science and technology among children living in public housing, is a collaborative effort between Universiti Malaya and Think City, developed under the Kita-untuk-Kita (K2K) program.
Commenting on the initiative, Prof. Siti Nursheena said, “At Universiti Malaya, we believe in the transformative power of education. Our goal with Kelab MySTAR is to ignite a passion for STEM in these young minds by making the learning process more engaging and accessible to everyone. We want to equip them with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams. The enthusiasm and curiosity we see in these children are truly inspiring, and the success of this program is a testament to the importance of collaboration between stakeholders.”
Kelab MySTAR was launched in March 2024 as a nine-month program, consisting of a series of 20 fun-filled activities designed for children aged 7 to 17 years. Piloted in two locations—PPR Taman Mulia and PA Seri Kota in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras—the program has garnered strong community support and consistent attendance. Around 20 children regularly participate, reflecting a growing interest in STEM activities. These sessions have become a highlight for the children, offering them hands-on experience with science and technology in a fun and engaging way. Activities range from building baking soda-powered boats to creating lemon volcanoes, with the workshop on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, where children interacted with AI-driven robots, being particularly well-received.
The excitement reached new heights when Nurul Izzah Anwar, the advisory committee to the Finance Minister, visited the STEM and Robotics enrichment class at PPR Taman Mulia. This visit was a significant milestone for Kelab MySTAR, highlighting the importance of such initiatives.
Expressing her support for the program, Nurul Izzah stated, “The success of Kelab MySTAR is a testament to the potential of our children when given the right opportunities. It is inspiring to see how these young minds are being nurtured to explore the wonders of science and technology. This program is not just about education; it’s about empowering our future leaders to think critically and creatively.”
As Malaysia strives to position itself as a leader in the global digital economy, initiatives like Kelab MySTAR are crucial in preparing the next generation for the demands of the future workforce. By fostering a strong foundation in STEM, we are equipping our children with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an increasingly complex and technology-driven world.
This collaboration between Universiti Malaya and Think City under Program K2K is a significant step toward bridging the educational gap and empowering the next generation of innovators from all walks of life.
For more details on the program, please contact Prof. Dr. Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya at nsheena@um.edu.my
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