LETTER | Regaining youth's trust in higher education and Stem

LETTER | In today’s digital age, the rapid growth of technology especially artificial intelligence poses a risk to the younger generation in Malaysia who are deciding whether to begin tertiary studies or just opt for a gig economy job.

Looking at the percentages of high school students who dropped out of the education pipeline, many chose not to further their studies, due to Covid and post-Covid periods which have changed their view on the importance of seeking knowledge.

Higher education plays a vital role in shaping the future of a nation, and Malaysia is no exception.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s foresight in recognising the importance of science and technology for national development and calling for a special task force to address the concerns of youth regarding higher education in these fields is a significant step forward.

This begs the question: How can we, as non-government members of society, help revive their interest? Firstly, by bridging the gap between the academic field and the industry.

Strengthening partnerships

By establishing better and stronger symbiosis between universities and industries, many academic programmes can be aligned with the needs of the industry and to an extent, the needs of the students as well.

This can be achieved by empowering more joint research projects and partnerships, as well as incorporating experts in curricula development.

Consistent forums, conferences, and workshops related to industries and their professional members can allocate valuable insights to academia, which will ensure that graduates can possess the required skills and knowledge to head into the job market.

Culture of creativity

Next, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Encouraging and inculcating an entrepreneurial mindset among students can inspire innovation thus creating a culture of creativity and problem-solving.

The government’s special task force alongside industry players can promote initiatives such as start-up incubators, innovation hubs, and funding opportunities to support student-led entrepreneurial ventures.

Additionally, mentorship programmes linking successful entrepreneurs and industry experts with aspiring students can provide guidance and inspire confidence in pursuing innovative ideas.

Stem education

Third, strengthening Stem education at all levels. The foundation for a successful pursuit of higher education in science and technology starts at the school level.

Institutions should collaborate with the Ministry of Education to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (Stem) education across all schools.

This can be achieved by providing specialised training to teachers, organising science fairs and competitions, and creating incentives for students to excel in Stem subjects.

The task force should also explore initiatives to engage students in hands-on practical experiences, fostering their interest and confidence in scientific inquiry.

Financial aid

Not only that, the government and other relevant parties can provide scholarships and financial aid to needy and deserving students. Scholarships such as MyBrain that encourage student participation in pursuing science and technology should be continued.

While the government also needs to address the financial barriers that hinder many students from pursuing higher education, others should work closely with the Ministry of Higher Education and relevant stakeholders to expand scholarship programmes and financial aid options.

This could include targeted scholarships specifically for science and technology fields and partnerships with industry sponsors to provide financial support in exchange for a commitment to work in the industry upon graduation.

However, this should not be a cause to ignore other fields such as social sciences and humanities, which are equally important in developing the nation’s youth.

In short, regaining the trust of Malaysian youth in pursuing higher education, particularly in science and technology, requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach.

By enhancing career prospects, bridging the academia-industry gap, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, strengthening Stem education, and expanding scholarship programmes, everyone can play a role in empowering the youth and inspiring them to contribute to the nation’s advancements.

Let us seize this opportunity to shape a brighter future for Malaysia, where education becomes a beacon of progress and prosperity.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.