THE Penang government has always prioritised education, particularly in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) learning for students in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy, who is in charge of the Human Resources, Education, Science and Technology portfolio, highlighted the various initiatives undertaken over the years to address the declining interest in STEM subjects among students.
“We need to address this issue and strive to ensure the students’ interest in STEM learning is restored.
“To address this issue, we have established the Penang STEM initiative, which is a platform that brings together six centres that collaborate with the state Education Department.
“Penang STEM is made up of the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Penang Science Cluster, Tech Dome Penang, @CAT, Penang Math Platform and Penang Digital Library.
“These state agencies have been at the forefront in providing hands-on STEM learning for students.
“They also have been conducting many STEM workshops, programmes and activities within their centres to cultivate, nurture and excite students in the field of science and technology,” Ramasamy said in his speech before launching the teacher’s appreciation programme at Vangohh Eminent Hotel in Machang Bubuk today.
Ramasamy added that STEM education is also important in order to have a quality talent pool.
To retain and attract investors, he said it is crucial to produce graduates who are skilled and competent enough to meet the industry’s demands.
This can be done through collective efforts to actively promote STEM learning among students.
Ramasamy also said the state government has urged more industry players to collaborate and support the state’s STEM initiatives to help cultivate an industry-ready talent pool.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal