‘TAR UMT, Utar experts can help arrest maths, science decline’

KUALA LUMPUR: To address the declining performance in mathematics and science, Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has proposed that MCA leverage the strengths of the Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Manage-ment and Technology (TAR UMT) and Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar).

“The level of mathematics and science in a country will reflect the overall strength of a country, and it is more evident with the emergence of artificial intelligence,” said the MCA president.

He said the recent 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) revealed Malaysia’s alarming drop to 51 out of 81 countries in pupils’ academic aptitude, particularly in mathematics and science.

“I suggest the party fully utilise the advantages and experience of TAR UMT and Utar in the subjects of science and technology.

“We will invite the professionals and academics from the two universities to form a special committee to study the current conditions and weaknesses in Malaysia’s performance in mathematics and science.

“At the same time, the committee will produce proposals for government policies and formulate implementable blueprints to improve and upgrade the levels of the country’s mathematics and science comprehensively,” he said in a speech at the party’s 75th anniversary celebration at Wisma MCA here yesterday.

Dr Wee also highlighted the importance of developing vocational training institutions, such as the Vocational Training College (Vtar), to create a skilled workforce.

“By strengthening Vtar, we are not just nurturing skilled professionals, we are shaping the backbone of our nation’s progress. The expansion of Vtar is crucial to accommodate more students, offer diverse courses, and ultimately position Malaysia as a powerhouse in vocational education,” he said.

He called for a 10-year road-map to turn Vtar into a top vocational institute in Malaysia and South-East Asia.

“Vtar’s growth is vital to our nation’s future in vocational education and training (VET) systems. A well-defined roadmap will guide Vtar towards excellence, comparable with renowned vocational schools in Singapore, and reinforce Malaysia’s standing as a hub for vocational education,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Wee reiterated that Chinese and Tamil language schools are not obstacles to national unity, as alleged again by some academicians recently.

“Multistream education is a manifestation of the beauty of Malaysia’s multiculturalism and has nurtured and groomed countless multilingual talents in different fields and sectors.

“No one can deny this truth. Moreover, currently, more than 20% of pupils in Chinese schools are non-Chinese,” he added.