Malaysia needs to master its own technology - PM Anwar

Malaysia must forge ahead as a nation that generates, owns and excels in technology, highlighted Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This transformation is crucial, as the country must no longer be reliant on technology developed by others, according to the Prime Minister. He emphasized that science education should not merely be about memorizing formulas and securing high exam scores, but also cultivate a mindset of critical thinking, openness to ideas, daring experimentation, and honesty in the face of failure.

Anwar stressed that pressing issues such as food security, energy supply, public health, water safety, climate change, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence necessitate robust knowledge and the bravery to make informed decisions. He emphasized that every challenge is an opportunity to innovate and create better solutions.

In his address during the Final Stage of the YAB Prime Minister's Cup National Science Challenge, Anwar mentioned that while student enrollment in STEM fields rose from 40.95 percent in 2021 to 50.83 percent in 2024, participation in pure science remains at around 15.8 percent. This indicates a disparity between the interest in STEM and students' readiness to engage deeply in the field.

The Prime Minister's vision extends beyond merely encouraging more students to opt for STEM; he urged the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysian Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Education, and strategic partners to ensure that the National Science Challenge becomes a continuous pathway for talent development. Anwar emphasized that potential participants, particularly those from rural areas, Sabah, Sarawak, and low-income families, must be sustained through mentorship, laboratory access, scholarships, and innovation networks.

He stressed that talent exists everywhere; it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure opportunities are accessible everywhere. Anwar concluded by envisioning a future where ideas conceived in schools today evolve into research, technology, innovation, and enterprises that can tackle real-world issues and elevate Malaysia's global competitiveness.