THE state government being a government that foresees the demands and needs of the evolving world, organised the ‘STEM Education with Drone Technology ‘ at Penang Tech Dome on Oct 27.
The programme which was jointly organised by the SG education Group and Penang Tech Dome saw the participation of students from five schools namely, SJKT Perai, SJKT Ladang Pyre, SJKT Mak Mandin, SK Inderawasih and SJKC Chung Hwa 3.
Deputy Chief Minister II Prof. Dr P. Ramasamy who is also the Chairman of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in Penang, highlighted the importance of giving priority to STEM education as in Malaysia, there is a lack of expertise in the field of STEM.
“The state government gives emphasis in developing talents with regards to the STEM field as we see it as something very essential. This is because in Malaysia, we do not have enough talents who have expertise in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
“So, are we preparing our school children in these field (STEM)? We are only focused on the tertiary education but we are not giving much emphasis in STEM at the primary level. I think the education system should be rectified so as to make it to be more transformative .
“Apart from that, there should be a paradigm shift in the mindset our people in Malaysia regarding vocational schools, where these schools are relegated. This does not happen in the western countries where kids are encouraged to take up studies pertaining to skilled training.
“Today’s programme might seem as a small initiative, but it can help to propel Penang. I take the STEM initiatives as something very serious. The state government will keep supporting the private sector in the STEM initiatives and welcome government departments to join hands with us,” said Ramasamy at the launch of the programme.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alvie Cheng