Open letter to Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek

Salam, 

I write to you as a concerned citizen on the topic of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and a research and development mindset. 

The STEM approach is crucial for nurturing researchers and future talents, as pointed out by journalist and activist Mariam Mokhtar.

Malaysia has made remarkable strides in recent years. It has won international sports (badminton) competitions and pastry contests. But to be truly competitive on the global stage, we must prioritise STEM education and foster an R&D culture. 

All nations are competing not just in terms of resources but also in gaining knowledge and innovation. For a long time, Malaysia has been losing our best and brightest to other countries. Former MP turned Radio deejay, Khairy Jamaluddin has said that the brain drain is not due to wages. 

Is there a way to reverse this?

Students equipped with strong STEM skills and knowledge can unleash the full potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy.  Perhaps there is too much focus on race and religion and too little on STEM topics? 

One area that Malaysian students seriously lack is critical thinking skills and the ability to analyse data and resolve complex problems. For example, how many city-planning issues have been resolved? Are we creating more problems on top of existing ones? 

By developing new ideas for STEM, we can move up the food chain.

To foster future researchers and talents who will drive innovation, economic growth and societal progress, STEM education and research must take priority at once. Too much time has been squandered. – October 20, 2023.

* Michael Kum reads The Malaysian Insight.