Literacy and numeracy skills crucial in STEM education

I REFER to the statement by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang that the gap between demand and supply of STEM professionals has become more pronounced in recent years, “‘M’sia facing STEM talent shortage’” (The Star, April 15).

Promoting STEM education will be like flogging a dead horse unless the relevant parties come to terms with the fact that the Literacy and Numeracy Screening (Linus) Programme, which was introduced in 2010 by the Education Ministry to ensure Year 1–3 primary school pupils master basic literacy and numeracy skills, has failed to deliver.