No chance for Science grads to move up
WE REFER to the current furore over the lack of interest in Science by many students. The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) would like to add to the many views already offered on this topic.
We are of the opinion that the fundamental reason for this lack of interest is due to the limited prospects available for the science professions, including engineers.
The public sector which includes statutory bodies, government-linked companies and the armed forces, is a glaring example where career advancement for engineers and other science professionals are distinctly curtailed.
There is no pathway for science professionals, including engineers, to reach the top of the public service; contending only to serve, at best, as the head of his or her department. The top government post of chief secretary to the government or ketua setiausaha negara (KSN), the secretary-general or ketua setiausaha (KSU) posts of the various ministries and even the state secretary postition is “off-limits” to them.
When students learn of such limited prospects, would they be even thinking about taking up Science as a subject?
Would parents, once they understand how the public sector works, want their children to pursue Science?
The situation where there are no entrants to take up science-related postitions, including engineers, in the public sector is something very real and will derail the nation’s path to a high income and developed status.
As such, the Prime Minister and the Government will have no alternative but to revamp the public sector to allow for equal opportunities in career advancement for the engineers and other science professionals to reach the top of the service.
The institution on its part, has initiated plans to set up engineering clubs in schools throughout the country to promote an interest in science and engineering.
The purpose is for these clubs to generate interesting and exciting activities that can explain to young minds, especially at the lower secondary level, the wonders of science and engineering and of how they are so important and relevant to all aspects of our lives.
The institution hopes to have the support of the Education Ministry and the private sector in the setting up of the engineering clubs and helping to make them a success. THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, MALAYSIA