Melaka Hopes Rural STEM Empowerment Prioritised In Budget 2027

By Shanika Abdullatib

MELAKA, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The Melaka government hopes that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in rural areas is among the focuses to be given priority in Budget 2027.

State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee deputy chairman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem said continuous allocation and support are greatly needed to ensure rural students have opportunities to explore the latest technologies, thereby narrowing the gap with their urban peers.

He said focus should be given to efforts to expand technology exposure programmes such as drones, three-dimensional (3D) printing and solar cars through practical and interactive activities.

“In my capacity in the science and technology portfolio, I hope all efforts to empower STEM in rural areas can be continued. We want to expose them to future technologies in a practical manner so that they are not left behind,” he told Bernama.

Mohd Noor Helmy, who is also Duyong State Assemblyman, said such programmes are important to enable students to handle technology equipment themselves and not merely learn the theory from textbooks.

Mohd Noor Helmy said early exposure would not only increase students’ interest in technical fields, but also build their confidence and motivation to pursue high-skilled careers in the future.

“Early exposure to technology can also open up new perspectives among rural students regarding education and career opportunities in STEM-based fields, thereby producing a highly skilled generation,” he said.

He said the effort is important to narrow the education gap between urban and rural areas, especially in terms of access to technology, digital skills and practical learning experiences.

He said support through budget allocations is important so that the needs of the community in Duyong can be given attention in development planning at the Federal level, including efforts to expand access to STEM education.

Mohd Noor Helmy said investment in STEM education should be viewed as a long-term national investment to produce a generation that is not merely technology users, but capable of creating innovations.

“This hope and target will not only increase students’ interest in STEM, but also successfully inspire them to achieve greater aspirations and narrow the education gap between urban and rural areas,” he said.

Budget 2027 will be tabled on Oct 9.

-- BERNAMA