A SPECIALLY-CRAFTED learning programme, called STEM Future-Proofing, will be held over two years to provide Form Four students with an early start in their academic and career in engineering and computer science.
The programme is aimed at offering awareness and an easier transition into those fields of studies post-SPM.
According to a statement to the media, the STEM Future-Proofing programme will be conducted free for interested students as it would be under corporate sponsorship.
However, places are limited and about 25 students per school will be selected for the programme.
“The participating students should, ideally, be of above-average academic standings. Interested students must be in Form Four in the current year; and although there are no official entry criteria, the selection of students will be based on aptitude tests and interviews to be conducted for the students by the institutions of higher learning,” the statement read.
The statement mentioned that the two-year modular programme would be conducted as extra-curricular learning.
“It will not affect the students’ formal curriculum. The programme classes will be conducted either during available extra-curricular slots during school hours, after school hours during school days or on alternate Saturdays – to be decided based on the guidance of the school authorities.
“The assigned trainers are qualified lecturers from established institutions of higher learning, and all classes will be done in school except for holiday boot camps which may be held at external venues,” the statement added.
At a media conference recently, Deputy Chief Minister II Prof Dr P. Ramasamy said the STEM Future-Proofing programme is jointly organised by Penang STEM, Tech Dome Penang, Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC), Ayira Vaisyar Sri Meenakshi Sundraesvarar Temple, and Shan Poornam Metals Sdn Bhd.
Dr Ramasamy said the programme was aimed at inspiring and nurturing young people to start a career in STEM fields.
“This is to ensure that the increasing demand for technical professionals can be met and thus continue to make Penang an attractive destination for high-tech industry investment,” he told reporters at the Ayira Vaisyar Sri Meenakshi Sundraesvarar Temple in Jalan Kebun Bunga.
Separately, he also announced an upcoming STEM Engineering Career Awareness Talk, to be held at the Ayira Vaisyar Sri Meenakshi Sundraesvarar Temple at 10am on May 21.