ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Johor government aims to increase student enrolment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects to 70% by next year, says Aznan Tamin.
The state education and information committee chairman said this is part of efforts to strengthen education and develop future talent in Johor.
“The current STEM enrolment rate in Johor is more than 60%, with the state targeting an additional 10% increase through various initiatives implemented at the district level.
“We have begun mobilising efforts across districts, including providing free tuition for SPM students to encourage greater participation in STEM subjects,” he told reporters at the launch of the Ayuh Johor Academia programme at Sunway Big Box Hotel here on Tuesday (Dec 16).
Based on current records, enrolment in the STEM stream stands at 46.15% among Form Four students and 49.20% among Form Five students this year.
He expressed confidence that increasing STEM enrolment would help position Johor as a leading contributor of skilled professionals in the future.
“We want Johor to record the highest STEM enrolment in the country so that we have future doctors and engineers from this state,” he said.
He added that the state is also placing strong emphasis on student safety, with the Johor Safe School Campaign set to continue next year alongside academic development initiatives.
“Besides focusing on education, student safety remains one of Johor’s key priorities, especially for the state’s younger generation,” he said.
Aznan said the state government supports efforts to require internet messaging and social media service providers to be registered.
“This effort would help curb the spread of false information and prevent harmful online activities, particularly those involving students aged 16 and below.
“The registration of social media platforms would enable better monitoring and accountability, allowing authorities to take appropriate action against the spread of misinformation and other undesirable online behaviour,” he said.
At the same time, he said the state government also supports the federal government’s policy prohibiting students under the age of 16 from opening social media accounts.
“Parental supervision is important in safeguarding children’s online safety,” he said.
However, Aznan stressed that restrictions on social media usage would not hinder Johor’s efforts to strengthen digitalisation in education.
“Students would still be able to access digital learning platforms and complete academic exercises using their mobile devices,” he said.
