DEVELOPING a strong pipeline of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) talent is critical to sustaining Penang’s position as a leader in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and the digital economy, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said efforts to promote STEM education must go beyond participation figures and focus on delivering measurable long-term outcomes for students and the state’s workforce.
“The Federal Government and the Penang state government have both introduced STEM blueprints and invested significantly in STEM education. That commitment must be matched with accountability.
“It is not enough to report how many programmes were organised or how many people participated. We should also know how many students entered the science stream, pursued STEM-related studies, joined our semiconductor and technology industries, or became innovators and entrepreneurs,” he said.
Chow said this during Tech Dome Penang’s 10th anniversary celebration at Jen Hotel today.
To ensure public investments are generating meaningful results, Chow called on Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, together with Tech Dome Penang and relevant state agencies, to undertake a long-term impact assessment of Tech Dome’s programmes.
“Let us track the educational and career journeys of participants over the coming years. Let us publish those findings transparently, learn from them, and use them to strengthen future STEM policies.
“Public investment should always be accompanied by measurable outcomes,” he said.
Chow said the state government established Tech Dome in 2016 to nurture interest in STEM from a young age, strengthen science education, and develop future talent for Penang’s economy.
“We were not building another science attraction or another ‘Petrosains’ in Penang. We were building a platform to nurture interest in STEM from a young age, strengthen science education, and develop the talent that will sustain Penang’s future economy,” he said.
Over the past decade, Tech Dome has welcomed more than 1.45 million visitors, organised over 4,800 STEM programmes and directly engaged more than 680,000 students, teachers and participants.
However, Chow stressed that attendance figures alone should not be used to gauge success.
“The more important measure is whether Tech Dome has inspired young people to pursue STEM, broadened their aspirations and opened doors to future opportunities,” he said.
Highlighting the centre’s achievements, Chow said programmes such as Women in Zcience (WiZ), Robomania and various artificial intelligence (AI)-focused initiatives had exposed students to emerging technologies and future career opportunities.
He noted that the WiZ programme had successfully encouraged more girls to pursue STEM education, with around 85 per cent of participants continuing into the science stream.
Tech Dome has also introduced AI learning initiatives, including the Ahli Teknologi Muda AI programme, the AI Education Consortium and Malaysia’s first AI Education Hub, while its latest collaboration with the Shanghai Astronomy Museum is expanding exposure to AI and space science.
“These initiatives demonstrate that Tech Dome is preparing our young people for the industries of tomorrow,” he said.
Chow said Penang’s success as the overall champion of Malaysia Techlympics 2022 and the achievements of local students in international competitions reflected the effectiveness of such efforts.
“Penang’s greatest strength has always been its people. Our continued leadership in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing and the digital economy depends on our ability to develop the next generation of talent,” he said.
Tech Dome chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi said the 10th anniversary celebration was not only a milestone for the institution but also a tribute to the many individuals who had contributed to its growth.
“From an ambitious idea, Tech Dome Penang has grown into a leading centre for discovery, innovation and STEM education, inspiring learners of all ages to explore and embrace the possibilities of the future.
“Reaching this milestone reflects years of perseverance, commitment and hard work,” he said.
Khoo added that since its establishment, Tech Dome Penang has welcomed more than 1.45 million visitors, nurturing curiosity and opening doors to new opportunities for countless young minds.
Also present were Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah Talib and his consort Toh Puan Raja Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah, Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Nagulendran Kangayatkarasu, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum deputy director-general Dr Wang Jianzhang, and Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang Ding Qiao.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siew Chia En