KOTA TINGGI: The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry plans to introduce drone industry and technology in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education syllabus to produce more players in the field.

       Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said his ministry would discuss it with the Education Ministry as part of the government's efforts to streamline the syllabus and attract more interest in STEM subjects.

       "I was informed that the Education Ministry will bring the Cabinet memorandum on STEM and its use to the government soon.

       "We will suggest that drone technologies such as design, use and artificial intelligence (AI) are included in STEM... as early as in the school curriculum and co-curriculum,” he told reporters after launching the "Fly with Meraque" CSR programme at the Kota Tinggi District Council Hall in Bandar Tenggara here on Sunday (April 24).

       Dr Adham said his ministry was working with the Johor Education Department and education, information and communication committee chairman Norlizah Noh to start introducing drone technology through the co-curriculum at schools, higher education institutions and skills institutes in the state.

       At the ceremony, Dr Adham also handed over two sets of drones to three foster schools under the programme and launched the Drone Technology Introduction Module.

       On the CSR programme, he said it was carried out in collaboration with a drone technology company, Meraque Services Sdn Bhd, which has sponsored drones for education purposes at three schools in Johor.

       The programme is expected to benefit more than 600 students from SMK Sultan Alauddin and SMK Seri Pinang here as well as SMK Taman Scientex in Pasir Gudang. – Bernama