SHAH ALAM – An initiative to get more students to have better interest in science, technology and innovation (STI) should be enhanced over time to make Selangor a high performing state.
EXCO of Environment, Green Technology, Science, Technology and Innovation and Consumer Affairs, Hee Loy Sian said he was concerned about the decline in students who are taking the pure science stream in schools so far.
“We have to give birth to scientists, engineers and mathematicians but unfortunately the level of student engagement in this field has been greatly reduced,” he said.
“Only 40 per cent of students are currently taking the pure science stream and this is in line with our target to reach 60 per cent of the students,” he added.
“Instead, they are more interested in the arts and literature stream.”
Loy Sian said this at the Selangor State Level National Science Week programme at the Raja Tun Uda Library.
Also present were Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Yeo Bee Yin; Malaysia Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Chief Executive Officer, Ir Dr Sanjayan Velautham and Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) Director, Mastura Muhamad.
At the same time, he noted that science and technology play an important role in everyday life as every movement can be interpreted in the context of science and technology.
“The Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0) poses a major challenge to all sectors of the country that require us to make changes in line with this digital transformation to remain competitive both domestically and internationally,” said Loy Sian.
“In addition, the challenge of IR4.0 demands the renewal and discovery of various technologies in areas such as robotics automation, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and augmented reality, thus maintaining sustainability while enhancing security,” he added.
