PM Calls For Stronger STEM Ecosystem To Drive Malaysia’s Future Growth

SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for Malaysia to strengthen its STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) ecosystem to develop more young talent capable of driving the country’s future growth and competitiveness.

He said Malaysia needed to create more opportunities for young people to develop their potential through universities, research institutions, industry and startups.

“We want ideas born in schools today to grow into research, technology, innovation and enterprises that can solve real problems faced by the people and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness globally.

“That is why the National Science Challenge (NSC) should not end when the trophy is presented. I want the talent identified through platforms such as this to continue to be developed and given pathways to go further,” he said in his speech at the 2026 NSC YAB Prime Minister’s Challenge Trophy Final at the National Institutes of Health here today.

His speech was read out by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

Anwar also called on the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM), together with the Education Ministry (MoE) and strategic partners, to make the NSC a continuous talent development pathway rather than merely an annual event.

He said Malaysia could not remain a technology consumer indefinitely, but must become a country that creates, owns and masters technology.

He said this was increasingly important as the country faced various challenges, including food security, energy supply, public health, water security, climate change and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Anwar said science education should not be confined to memorising formulas and achieving good examination results, but should instead develop the ability to think critically about facts, remain open to ideas, dare to experiment and be honest when an experiment fails.

He said strengthening STEM education must also be a shared responsibility involving the government, schools, universities, industry and communities to ensure young talent was not only identified, but also continuously guided and given room to grow.

Anwar said MoE data showed that student enrolment in STEM had increased to 50.83 per cent in 2024 from 40.95 per cent in 2021, although participation in pure sciences remained at about 15.8 per cent.

“This shows that there is still a gap between interest in STEM and readiness to pursue it in greater depth,” he said.

Therefore, Anwar said the country’s efforts must move beyond simply encouraging more students to choose STEM to ensuring they remain in the field, develop their capabilities and succeed in it, with teachers playing a key role in sparking curiosity and building the confidence of the younger generation.

He also called for promising participants, particularly those from rural areas, Sabah and Sarawak, and low-income families, to be connected with mentors, laboratories, scholarships and innovation networks.

-- BERNAMA