SCIENCE, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education should be introduced and embedded into the school syllabus as early as preschool, says a Johor executive councillor.
State education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said preschools under the Community Development Department (Kemas) have agreed to be pilot centres for the Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools (SRBJ) initiative to cultivate early interest in STEM among young children.
“It is not difficult to teach STEM to kindergarten pupils as they will be introduced to basic concepts such as shapes, objects and elements related to science.
“This approach helps nurture interest in science from a young age, instead of exposing them too early to technology and social media,” he said at the closing ceremony of Johor STEM Mini Theatre: STEM Synergy and Showcase held at Southern University College in Skudai.
Aznan said secondary schools would soon begin to identify students with potential in STEM from as early as 13 years old.
“This step is important to identify students with talent and interest in STEM, so that they can develop their potential over the years.
“I don’t want schools to start selecting students for the science stream only when they are 15 or in Form Three.
“We should prepare earlier and begin the selection process from Form One,” he said.
Aznan added that the initiative would not only strengthen STEM education, but also streamline the overall student placement process for various academic streams. — By MYSARA FAUZI
