Malaysian students nurture STEM-related skills, knowledge

Malaysia's first homegrown education service provider and social enterprise, LeapEd Services Sdn Bhd recently held the STEM Festival 2019.

The one-day festival focused on emphasising the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related subjects and experiences among Malaysian students.

The festival was held in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, Malaysia (Heriot-Watt University), GREAT UK Challenge Fund and Youth Made Malaysia.

Forty students from four schools within LeapEd's Trust Schools Programme participated in the event via a series of workshops and theory-focused sessions, culminating in a drone flying challenge.

LeapEd Services managing director, Zulhaimi Othman said: “In line with our commitment to develop holistic students with 21st century competencies, we see a gap that requires immediate attention in the education landscape today.”

“This festival is one of our many efforts in helping to raise awareness amongst young students on the importance of STEM-related skills and knowledge,” he added.

Heriot-Watt University School of Engineering and Physical Sciences undergraduates participated as mentors to the young secondary school students throughout the day.

According to School-to-Work Transition Survey by Khazanah Research Institute, only one third of all upper secondary school students are taking Science subjects, followed by Mathematics (44 per cent), while only 32 per cent tertiary students are enrolled in STEM-related courses. - Bernama