Declining interest in science education alarming

PUTRAJAYA: Students' interest in science education in schools have dropped to a critical level, said Higher Education Minsiter Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

This picture dated 19th January 2012 sees Mercy Malaysia's volunteer doctor, Dr Wan Ariffin Abdullah, providing invaluable assistance in Mogadishu Somalia.

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"This may stunt government efforts to improve technological innovations to make Malaysia a high income country," he said at the ministry's 2012 New Year's message ceremony at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre, here today.

Mohamed Khaled said the Science and Technology Human Capital Direction Plan 2020's requirement of 60 per cent from the science stream and 40 per cent from the arts stream had yet to be achieved.

"What's more worrying is that the number of science stream students has dropped up to 29 per cent since 2007. This situation continues at the university level," he said.

He said students entering universities find studying science to be difficult, boring and not worth the effort put in.

"Students need to imagine of interesting and profitable career prospects after they graduate and be referred as scientists," he said.

Mohamed Khaled called for university higher management to take the matter seriously and plan strategies to change the negative perception among students.

"We must instil a passion for science among excellent students and cultivate an interest for mental challenges and exploration. Best of all, careers in science offer recognition and lucrative returns," he said.

To realise this, Mohamed Khaled said, starting this year the Higher Education Ministry would offer new scholarships through the MyBrainSc programme aimed to provide quality academic staff for pure science courses in universities.

He also urged universities to set up research institutions in the form of institutes, centres or laboratories and creating the post of Academic Researcher as a basic need to retain talent.

Universities also need to be aware of plans and development which surround them, especially territorial development, so they can become a catalyst for local development and obtain income, said Mohamed Khaled.

He proposed for universities to create the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) post to ensure all efforts for culturalisation, research excellence and the continuation of programmes were carried out smoothly.

Mohamed Khaled also said the amendment of the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) 1971 to be implemented was not a free ticket for university students to disturb public order.

"I've never stopped students from being critical, but let it be done in a proper way. University students are just like other Malaysian citizens who have a responsibility towards the country," he added. --BERNAMA