An environment where STEM initiatives are industry driven
“The state government is just the facilitator of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) initiatives in Penang, we allow the industries to bring it forward,” said Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy during the visit by the Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Datuk Seri Michael Manyin Jawong at Tech Dome Penang today.
According to Ramasamy, the programmes conducted in Penang with regards to STEM are ‘industry driven’ and the state government gives its full support to it as well as provide the much needed seed money.
“The Penang state government does not want to practise the bureaucratic approach like how it was practised then (by the previous government).They (Industries) have the expertise so they should take off on their own and with the governmental support.
“We only provide the seed money to support their programmes. This a public-private partnership and we do not want to get involved much,” affirmed Ramasamy.
Apart from that, Ramasamy said that the perception of people on vocational studies should take a shift.
“Most people think that those who enter vocational studies are not smart. This is totally wrong.
“Students in vocational studies are equally intelligent with other students,” added Ramasamy who feels vocational studies should be given much emphasis.
During the discussion, the Sarawak Minister said that, the Education Ministry should re-look into the education system of the formative years.
“The emphasis of the ‘Sciences’ should be done in the formative years itself, the students should have a strong foundation at this stage pertaining to STEM,” the Minister said.
Also present was Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Dr Khong Yoon Loong.
After the discussion briefed the delegation from Sarawak led by the Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research on the whereabouts of Tech Dome Penang.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
