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By Melinda Looi

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses play a major role in educating students for future careers related to engineering and technology. In this period of industrial revolution and technological advancement, the branches of engineering in electronics and computer science are growing at a fast pace.  

Therefore, students who are educated in STEM subjects would be able to secure jobs that are related to the field of STEM that they studied. These days, technology and engineering courses mainly focus on educating students about artificial intelligence, robotics and data analytics. 

There are a few ways to ignite interest in students to be interested in STEM education. The government should continue emphasising on how STEM could lead to a better tomorrow as careers in this field utilise the knowledge learned to create better technologies, facilities, devices and even life-saving drugs that would benefit people. Schools should also be equipped with STEM facilities and teachers who are well educated in STEM topics. This would make learning fun for the students. 

Parents should also be aware of the benefits of their kids learning STEM subjects and encourage their kids by cultivating interest in these subjects. They could expose their kids to multisensory and creative toys for the purpose of STEM exploration and learning at a young age. STEM related industries could also visit schools and hold talks related to careers that are available for STEM-related graduates. 

It is important for the education system to start equipping students with the knowledge, clear understanding and skills related to STEM subjects during the early years of schooling. STEM education would help kids to think logically, innovatively and creatively to solve real-world problems in the future. With the growth of new talents and graduates in the STEM field, Malaysia would be a developed and competitive country. 

** The views expressed on this opinion is of the writer and not the publisher