THERE is a growing interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among children living in People’s Housing Projects (PPR), a pilot programme by Universiti Malaya (UM) found.
This is evident from the excitement and enthusiasm shown by some 20 young Kelab MySTAR participants from PRR Taman Mulia and PPR Seri Kota, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.
Focused on nurturing a passion for science and technology among children living in public housing, Kelab MySTAR is an initiative spearheaded by UM STEM Centre director Dr Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Dr Zati Hakim Azizul Hasan from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, and Prof Siti Nursheena Mohd Zain from the Faculty of Science.
A joint effort by UM and Think City, under the Kita-Untuk-Kita (K2K) Programme, Kelab MySTAR was launched in March as a nine-month pilot programme, consisting a series of 20 fun-filled activities designed for children aged seven to 17 years old.
The regular Kelab MySTAR hands-on sessions have become a highlight for the children, with activities ranging from building baking soda-powered boats and creating lemon volcanoes, to an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics workshop. Shy to try at first, the children got curious and confident quite fast, as they grew more interested in STEM.
Kelab MySTAR comes at a critical time, as Malaysia faces a concerning decline in students enrolling in STEM subjects. According to recent statistics, only 16.64% (61,333 students) of secondary school students opted for the STEM A package in 2023, and just 5.43% (about 20,014 students) chose the STEM B package.
This decline has raised alarms about the future availability of skilled workers in STEM fields, which are crucial for the nation’s economic growth and competitiveness.“At UM, we believe in the transformative power of education. Our goal with Kelab MySTAR is to ignite a passion for STEM in these young minds, giving them the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams.
“The enthusiasm and curiosity we see in these children are truly inspiring,” said Prof Siti Nursheena.
Recently, Social and Economic Research Initiative (Seri) chairman Nurul Izzah Anwar, visited the children during a Kelab MySTAR STEM and robotics enrichment class.
“The success of Kelab MySTAR is a testament to the potential of our children when given the right opportunities.
“It is inspiring to see how these young minds are being nurtured to explore the wonders of science and technology.
“This programme is not just about education; it’s about empowering our future leaders to think critically and creatively,” she said in a press release from UM dated Sept 4.
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