SPM 2023 records decline in Science stream students

KUALA LUMPUR: The total number of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students taking science and mathematics subjects has shown a declining trend over the past six years, said the Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang (pic).

He said based on an analysis conducted by the Malaysian Science and Technology Information Centre (Mastic), the downward trend includes subjects like Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

In a Bernama report, he was quoted sharing that the study also found a 17.37% decrease recorded in Additional Mathematics subjects in 2023 compared to 2018.

“Emphasis on enhancing mastery levels in Mathematics needs to be increased based on the number of students failing Mathematics and Additional Mathematics,” he said at the launch of the National Science Week (MSN) 2024 Carnival here yesterday.

Chang said that his ministry is committed to continuing efforts with the Education Ministry to cultivate interest in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) through continuous cultural programmes outside the classroom for children and students at the school level to strengthen the National Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) agenda.

He added that his ministry will continue organising the National Science Week (MSN 2024) in a hybrid format, aiming to engage over 600,000 participants.

Chang explained that MSN 2024 will encompass both carnival-style events and online activities until October this year to maximise involvement and participation among students and undergraduates.

“With the theme ‘Popularising Science, Humanising Technology, Democratising Innovation,’ MSN 2024 emphasises the involvement of all segments of society in promoting scientific innovation alongside rapid advancements in technology,” he said.

Chang said that the MSN 2024 Carnival, which began on Wednesday and ran until yesterday at the National Science Centre, will also be held in Perak, Perlis, Penang, Kelantan and Putrajaya.

He highlighted that MSN 2024 focuses on seven areas, including Planetary Health; Chemistry and Biotechnology; Safe Use of Nuclear Technology; Social Innovation; Engineering and Artificial Intelligence; Nanotechnology and Space.

“The selection of these focus areas aims to underscore and enhance understanding of the interconnected importance of STI fields while supporting sustainable development goals,” he said.