KUALA LUMPUR: All schools are required to offer at least one Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Package A class starting this year, says the Education Ministry.
The STEM package comprises three Science subjects – Physics, Biology and Chemistry – as well as Additional Mathematics.
“School principals, guidance and counselling teachers, and other teachers are encouraged to provide guidance and advice to Form 4 students in choosing either STEM Package A or STEM Package B in line with their interests and aptitudes.
“Schools are urged to collaborate with all stakeholders including parents, government agencies, academia, industry and the community to raise students’ awareness on the importance of STEM packages, particularly STEM Package A and STEM Package B, as well as the subject Additional Mathematics, in shaping their education and future careers,” it said in a parliamentary written reply dated Nov 6.
The ministry was responding to a question by Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong regarding the definition of STEM subjects, the steps taken to prevent confusion over the term and whether the focus of teaching remains on pure sciences.
The ministry said STEM refers to fields of study at both school and tertiary levels, adding that Science, Additional Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering Studies, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, among others, are considered STEM-related subjects taught in schools.
“STEM education refers to an instructional approach that integrates the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” it said.
It added that the interdisciplinary approach provides students with opportunities to apply the knowledge, skills and values learned in STEM subjects to solve real-world problems while also nurturing a range of future-oriented skills.
“Within the Malaysian school system, upper secondary students are given the opportunity to choose elective subject packages based on their interests, aptitudes and abilities,” it said.
In 2001, through Circular Letter No. 1/2001, the Education Ministry introduced science and technology specialisation packages at the upper secondary level to encourage students who excelled in Science and Mathematics based on the PMR exam to pursue this stream.
The packages include Pure Science, Additional Science, Information Technology, Pure Science + Technology, Pure Science + Professional Arts,Islamic Studies + Pure Science, Islamic Studies + Technology and Additional Science + Professional Arts.
Since the implementation of the curriculum in 2020, the ministry said students may pursue either the STEM package or the Humanities and Arts package by selecting elective subjects from the STEM Electives, Islamic Studies Electives, Language Electives, as well as Humanities and Professional Arts Electives groups.
“These packages are designed based on students’ needs to pursue tertiary education at universities, matriculation programmes, Sixth Form, polytechnics, community colleges and other post-secondary institutions.
“In addition, the packages also take into account the requirements of professional bodies as well as students’ preferred career pathways,” it said.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening students’ interest and performance in STEM fields.
