KUALA LUMPUR: The serious attention given by the government towards science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) showed that education is an important agenda of the present administration, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He said the government viewed seriously the number of students enrolled in STEM education, which helps produce a skilled workforce important for the nation to navigate the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

At present, he said the percentage of students in STEM was 47 per cent, with 19 per cent in Pure Science subjects.

"STEM is important to prepare and help the country navigate the 4IR.  

"For Malaysia to remain competitive at the global stage, we ensure that the country will not be left behind in STEM education," he said in his speech at the presentation of Petroliam Nasional Bhd's (Petronas) Education Sponsorship Programme (PESP) here today.

Present were Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad, Deputy Education Minister II Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Petronas chairman Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh.

"Apart from emphasising on curricular development, innovation and academic achievement, the country's education agenda also fosters respect and nurtures love among each other.

"This is in line with the three major thrusts of the Keluarga Malaysia administration, namely inclusivity, common ground and contentment," he said.

Ismail Sabri acknowledged the role played by major entities such as Petronas in helping the government to promote and develop STEM education.

"Petronas has been a firm supporter of the government's efforts to strengthen the fields of science, technology and innovation, which are enablers to strengthen the country's socioeconomics," he said.

At the event, Ismail Sabri announced increased allowances for students sponsored by the national oil company.

He announced increases in book and study material allowance from RM1,000 to RM1,500 for students pursuing their tertiary education in the country sponsored by Petronas.

Sponsored students who are studying at universities abroad will also receive an additional RM500 in book and study material allowance.

"New students who recently received their sponsorships under the PESP will receive an increase in onboard allowance from RM4,500 to RM5,000," he said.

The increase in both allowances, he said, would be of immediate effect and involved 2,267 students sponsored by Petronas.

"The decision to increase both allowances were made after taking into consideration the increased costs of living.

"I hope all this assistance (allowances) will help ease the burden of students and their parents to ensure a better future for their children," he said.

Ismail Sabri later presented awards to some of the PESP recipients nationwide.

A total of 600 students with outstanding Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia results last year received the PESP.

This is the highest number of sponsorships awarded in a year by the company, valued at more than RM340 million.

Since 1975, over 37,000 outstanding Malaysian students, including 1,720 currently in the programme, have benefited from sponsorships valued at over RM3.5 billion.