KUCHING: Malaysia’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education system need to address misleading statistics and weak foundations that hinder talent development.

As such, Adviser in the Sarawak Premier's Office (Education) Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong, has called for stronger reforms in STEM education initiative.

Speaking at the 'Karnival Kimia' Malaysia Sarawak Zone 2025 event held at Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Petra Jaya, he said Malaysia’s actual performance in STEM remains far below the national target despite decades of emphasis.

“For the past 30 to 40 years, the national target for STEM was 60 per cent. But we have only reached 17.5 per cent of students actually taking core STEM subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics,” he said when officiating the event on Thursday.

He explained that the public perception of STEM achievement has been distorted by categorisation that counts students taking even a single science subject as part of the STEM cohort.

“The Ministry of Education has divided STEM into categories A, B and C, which is misleading. A student taking just one subject, such as Biology, is already counted as a STEM student. That’s not real STEM,” he added.

Datuk Amar Michael stressed that the nation must rebuild its education structure from the primary level to produce more scientists, engineers, doctors and technology professionals in the future.

He also highlighted Sarawak’s proactive steps in advancing education through Yayasan Sarawak International Schools, which emphasise English proficiency and global competitiveness while maintaining national identity.

“Sarawak is once again leading the way. Every public school here uses English to teach Mathematics and Science, thanks to our Premier’s vision,” he said.

Datuk Amar Michael announced that the Sarawak Science Centre, a RM230 million initiative, is expected to begin operations next year to promote public interest in science through interactive and engaging learning.

“We believe the Science Centre will promote curiosity and hands-on learning. Through this, we can nurture the next generation of innovators and researchers,” he added.

The Karnival Kimia Malaysia Sarawak Zone 2025 gathered students, educators and professionals to promote awareness of chemistry and STEM’s importance in building a skilled and innovative generation. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Alezxandria Kapple
Photographer: Alezxandria Kapple