MERSING: It is vital to nurture an interest in science and technology among students to meet the country’s human capital needs.

East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) senior manager Safiah Ismail said this at the launch of the Nurture Your Future with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme at SMK Mersing here.

“Students are responding well to the programme and many are likely to continue their studies in science and technology courses,” Safiah said.

She added that under the programme, students will be exposed to the wide possibilities in the science and technology sector.

“Some 1,500 students in Johor have participated in programmes under the Empower Ecer initiative to expose students to STEM since its inception in 2013.

“Besides the young ones, we have also received good response for our entrepreneurial and skills training for adults.

“We are glad to note that 80% of participants have started their own businesses,” she added.

Some 430 secondary school students from four schools in the district were involved in the programme conducted at SMK Mersing.

Meanwhile, Tenggaroh assemblyman K. Raven Kumar commended the programme, adding that such initiatives would help guide students to make wiser choices when choosing their career path.

“Almost every development in the future will revolve around or relate to science and technology.

“We have to start preparing students for the developments that are set to take place locally in line with the Government’s aim to create knowledgeable, highly skilled and competitive human capital,” he added.

http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/community/2016/08/22/nurturing-interest-in-science-for-the-future/