Taking science and maths further
THERE is a growing demand for job opportunities in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) but the industry is facing an ever shrinking talent pool.
In the US alone, it was reported that by 2024, there will be a shortfall of 1.1 million STEM workers and this phenomenon will be felt all over the world.
Although it was expected that teens would be encouraged to pursue STEM-related education for the highest likelihood of landing a secure job, in reality the opposite occurs.
Rather than increasing steadily, interest in STEM fields declined while demand for STEM-qualified graduates is predicted to grow substantially over the years – more so with the advent of today’s buzzword, Industry 4.0.
There is a lacuna whereby the education system does not do a good job of informing students of STEM skills as opposed to STEM careers.
It was reported that the declining trend in interest towards STEM-related fields is more evident among teenage boys compared to girls – due to the perception that STEM fields are too hard, with some fearing they will be unable to cope.
Young people should be encouraged to pursue technical careers, as non STEM-related jobs still rely on these subjects and will continue to be so. Graduates who have knowledge and skills in STEM will be in greater demand.
Equally important are knowledge and skills related to Ecology, or simply Eco – as global warming and sustainability are problems the world is currently wrestling with and may possibly be for upcoming generations. Efforts need to start in schools to inculcate the understanding of the various STEM and Eco aspects.
Sri Bestari Private School embarked on an Eco-niche agenda in 2012, which resulted in two Green Flag Awards from WWF-Malaysia and the Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark in 2015 and 2017.
In 2015, the school embarked on an Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) method for teaching science, under the auspices of the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre (Istic) – which in turn is governed by Unesco, the La main á la pâte Foundation (Lamap), France and the Academy of Science Malaysia (ASM) – and this proved to be effective and successful.
On Sept 5, the school launched the Outdoor Science Lab, a dedicated EcoLearning Corner and a Paddy Cultivation Plot to further enhance the institution’s investment and efforts into promoting STEM education and eco principles among its students.
Sri Bestari Private School led the STEM education agenda with continuous resource investments, teacher training and continuing professional development.
It ensures staff are kept abreast on the growth and developments, in order to guide its students towards a changing business and commercial environment.
Visit Sri Bestari Private School Info Day on Oct 6, from 9am to 1pm, to find out more.
There will also be a pre-Deepavali celebration in the spirit of Bestarian.
■ Call 03-6275 5888 to reserve a spot for the Info Day or visit www.sribestari.edu.my – special discounts are offered to those registered on that day.