KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim wants 100 young scientists to hold talks in 100 schools to spur students' interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Prime Minister called for a list of 100 suitable scientists to be drawn up as he was concerned by the lack of interest in STEM subjects as well as the growing divide between urban and rural schools in this area.

"Don't view this lightly (as) the rural schools will be left way behind," he said when launching the National Bioeconomy Showcase 2024 here on Wednesday (July 17).

Anwar said the lack of interest in STEM should be tackled through a multi-ministry approach that also involves the private sector.

"If possible, get 100 scientists from the biotech sector and government agencies to (give these talks) which will benefit our students greatly.

"I will give two weeks for a list to be submitted for these scientists to go to 100 selected schools around the country," he added.

He suggested that young scientists or PhD holders spend two to three hours once or twice a month to meet up with students in their schools to spur interest in STEM.

"That is why I have always appealed to the professionals, ministries and agencies, as well as successful companies, to spend time at selected schools and universities.

"The students will be amazed by the abilities of our young scientists," he added.

Anwar tasked Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, who was present at the event, to prepare the list.

He also asked Chang to work with the Education Ministry on ways to spur interest in STEM subjects.

Earlier, Anwar announced an additional RM2mil for the Bio-Based Accelerator (BBA) programme under Chang's ministry.

He added that part of the allocation could be used to organise the young scientists' talks in schools.

The Prime Minister later witnessed the exchange of 11 memorandums of understanding with a total estimated value of RM1.5bil.

In his welcoming speech, Chang said more than 520 biotechnology and bio-based companies are involved in projects with approved investments totalling RM14.3bil, contributing RM37.5bil to the nation's gross domestic product.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/07/17/pm-calls-for-young-scientist-039brigade039-to-drive-stem-interest-in-schools