MORE girls need to take up STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, says state executive councillor for Non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng.
She said STEM exists in every area of our lives and therefore it is important for girls to explore this field.
“For instance, the field of engineering does not only involve in building of infrastructures, but it is also related to the issues concerning global weather as well as the environment.
“Learning STEM is a lifetime process, which would be useful for the future.
“Programmes such as WiZ provides a great platform for girls to stir their interest in STEM subjects and eventually leading them to pursue a career in this discipline,” Chong Eng said during the 6th Women in Zcience (WiZ) held at Tech Dome Penang recently.
Meanwhile, Penang Women Development Corporation (PWDC) chief executive officer Ong Bee Leng said the stereotype towards women in the field of STEM must be broken.
“We, parents, teachers, lecturers, and media, play a vital role in telling our children that girls and boys are equally capable of achieving their dreams.
“Women bring different life experiences to STEM field compared to men.
“Thus, women’s perspectives would be instrumental in the scientific creation and innovation,” Ong added.
A total of 260 students from 10 schools took part in the programme.
The schools were, SMJK Perempuan Cina, SMJK Jit Sin, SMJK Convent Datuk Keramat, SMK Convent Green Lane, SMK (P) Methodist, SMK (P) St Georges, SMK (P) Almashoor, SMK Convent BM, SMK Tinggi BM and SMA Almadinah.
This year’s programme comprised Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Intro to AI, Augmented Reality and Embedded Micro Bit.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix courtesy of Tech Dome Penang