SUNGAI PETANI: Female undergraduates should pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)-related fields to stay competitive in future.
Prime Minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor said it was worrying that the percentage of students opting for science stream in universities are declining despite knowing full well that STEM is the pillar of the country's development.
She said based on the 'Science and Technology Human Capital Direction: Towards 2020' report, the number of students enrolling in STEM are on the decline annually and the trend was worrying.
As such, Rosmah urged female undergraduates to take up STEM challenge and meet the government's target to increase the ratio of students in STEM stream from 20:80 to 60:40 ratio.
"One of the challenges in achieving a developed country status in the 21st century is the mastery of STEM subjects.
"Realising the industrial world shift towards STEM, we need to churn out sound human capital in this field to meet the country's need 25 years from now.
"Hence, we need a serious commitment from all parties to produce more graduates from STEM stream," Rosmah said in her keynote address at the 'Siswi Cinta Negara' convention at Universiti Teknologi MARA's (UiTM) Merbok branch here today.
Also present was Menteri Besar Kedah Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah.
On similar note, Rosmah said university students should also step out of their comfort zone by acquiring new set of skills.
She pointed out that the Industry 4.0 has outlined the important of 4C element; Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration dan Creativity.
Rosmah added that the skills should be polished and practiced in every aspects of life, be it in studies, sports, social activities and so on.
"To stay competitive, undergraduates and young women in whatever field they are getting into, their ability to master the latest technology will be paramount.
"I wish to encourage female undergraduates to be brave in enhancing their ability and in using the digital technology because through that, they will be able to improve themselves and their future undertaking." she said.