‘Do your part to promote STEM’
THE possibilities that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) offer are endless as these fields will continue to drive positive change and innovation.

Thus, we must all do our part to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians because they are the ones who will help create a more sustainable world, Higher Education director-general Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said when opening the Kuala Lumpur Engineering and Science Fair (KLESF) 2023.

KLESF steering committee co-chairman and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat said the event was aimed at enhancing student interest in STEM, raising public awareness about the pivotal roles STEM plays in socioeconomic well-being and sustainable development, and encouraging businesses and industries to actively participate in promoting STEM education and career development among youths.

“Through KLESF, we aim to foster a collaborative environment where schools, educators, industries, the public and private sectors can come together to share knowledge, experiences and best practices in science and mathematics education,” Prof Ewe, who is also the Asean Academy of Engineering and Technology (AAET) president, said in a press release.

KLESF, said KLESF Steering Committee co-chairman and Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) president and CEO Rushdi, acts as a catalyst for increasing student interest in STEM by offering an engaging, inspiring and informative environment.

It demonstrates the practical applications and career opportunities in STEM fields, highlights student achievements, and provides a supportive community that fosters curiosity and enthusiasm, he added.

“According to the Education Ministry, the STEM enrolment has increased from 40.95% in 2021 to 45.73% this year.

“This positive progress, albeit small, indicates awareness of the importance of STEM, and thus efforts to promote these fields must be fortified,” he said.

In its 10th year, the three-day event, which served as a platform for students to explore, learn and engage with STEM concepts in a practical and exciting way, was held at the Mines International Exhibition and Convention Centre from Oct 27 to 29.

Also present at the opening ceremony were Malaysia Mental Literacy Movement (MMLM) chairman and UTAR chancellor Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and his wife Toh Puan Ena Ling; and MMLM deputy chairman and UTAR academic Emeritus Prof Tan Sri Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

“Short Stories on Discoveries, Inventions, Innovation, and Creativity”, which was published by the AAET and UTAR in Tamil, was launched in conjunction with the opening ceremony. The book, is available in English, Mandarin, and Bahasa Melayu.

KLESF 2023 was jointly organised by the AAET, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), MIGHT, the Malaysian Invention and Design Society (MINDS), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT), UTAR and the MMLM.

Among the activities were a STEM competition where some 250 teams exhibited their original inventions and creations, a robot band playing musical instruments, and the 17th Malaysia Festival of the Mind.
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THE possibilities that science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) offer are endless as these fields will continue to drive positive change and innovation.