PETALING JAYA: About 90% of the top 10 emerging jobs in Malaysia are science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) related, says Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.

       This, the Deputy Education Minister said, was according to the World Economic Forum.

       "Given that all nations are currently in need of highly trained scientists and engineers, it is (therefore) vital to detect, amplify and feed creative ideas and innovative impulses into young thinkers and inventors as early as we can, especially in their formative years in school.

       "School is where our budding inventors should be provided with an environment with the necessary support to question, experiment, and learn from experiences.

       "We believe that giving focus on the recognition and promotion of children’s creativity will continuously strengthen and develop innovation and invention among youths.

       "Therefore, we emphasise on education as a means of becoming a developed nation to meet challenges and demands of a STEM driven economy," he said during the World Young Investors Exhibition (WYIE) 2022 award presentation ceremony on Friday (May 27) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

       He said the ministry's STEM Education programme, International Policy Dialogue, development of resource packs, capacity building training and workshops have been delivered for STEM educators, ministries, stakeholders, and students.

       The ultimate aim, Dr Mah said, is to nurture students’ interest in STEM.

       Programmes like the WYIE, he added, enables youths to understand global problems and inspire them to find common solutions.

       "It produces well-rounded individuals and encourages them to pitch their inventions, and perceive and master science concepts better through practical work," he said.