[UPDATED] Anwar wants stronger STEM enrolment, deeper uptake of pure sciences

Shah Alam: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called for a significant increase in student enrolment in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, emphasising the importance of nurturing talent beyond mere interest. Currently, participation in pure sciences stands at 15.8 per cent, highlighting a gap between students' curiosity and their readiness to further explore these disciplines.

In his address read at the National Science Challenge 2026, Anwar stressed that the government, schools, universities, industry, and communities must collaborate to identify and support young STEM talent. He underscored that teachers play a crucial role not only as knowledge providers but also as motivators, fostering curiosity and confidence among students.

Anwar stressed the need for equal opportunities for every Malaysian child, regardless of their origin, educational background, or family circumstances. Despite a rise in STEM enrolment from 40.95 per cent in 2021 to 50.83 per cent in 2024, Anwar believes the country must continue efforts to strengthen STEM education. He proposed that the National Science Challenge should evolve into a continuous talent-development pathway, rather than a yearly competition.

Anwar's vision is for Malaysia to develop a robust STEM talent pipeline that supports research, innovation, and technological advancement, aiming for ideas born in schools to transform into solutions capable of addressing national challenges and enhancing the country's global competitiveness.