Today, the favourite disciplines that students tend to choose in their pursuit of higher education are still the arts. A recent study shows a steady decline in students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses.
https://wellesleyk12.instructure.com/courses/353/pages/123movies-all-american-season-3-episode-3-watch-online-full-series
https://wellesleyk12.instructure.com/courses/353/pages/watch-hd-all-american-season-3-episode-3-online-free
https://wellesleyk12.instructure.com/courses/353/pages/full-watch-all-american-season-3-episode-3-hd-online-free
While it is important that students follow their passion in the choice of their disciplines, in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, science and engineering courses are an added attraction.
These professions take the knowledge of mathematics and natural science and apply it to utilise the materials and forces of nature for the benefit of mankind.
Due to rapid advances in the technology associated with electronics and computer science, this branch of engineering is growing faster.
The field of electrical engineering is strengthened and reinforced by philosophies and inventions of scientists such as Michael Faraday (electromagnetic induction, diamagnetism and electrolysis); Georg Simon Ohm (who discovered that the current flow through a conductor is directly proportional to the potential difference (voltage) and inversely proportional to the resistance) and Thomas Alva Edison (who developed electric power generation, mass communication, sound recording, and motion pictures).
In electrical and electronics engineering, one may specialise in electronic devices, electrical circuits, automation systems and digital signal processing. These are relevant today as Malaysia holds a competitive advantage in the electrical and electronics industry. It attracts close to RM11 billion in foreign direct investments and contributes about four per cent to Malaysia’s total output.
Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s CEO, highlights in his 2017 book Hit Refresh that, “Artificial intelligence (AI), mixed reality and quantum computing are going to be game changers. (They) will be more profound in (their) impact on the economy than those revolutions that came before.”
Engineering and technology are now ingrained in our daily lives. They surround us. They are everywhere. Industry 4.0 technologies will, therefore, rule the world in the future.
And students who are educated in these technologies will be able to secure jobs in a world where these technologies will devour nearly 40 per cent of the existing jobs in five years.
Accordingly, and given the ever-increasing demand for talent relevant to Industry 4.0, science, technology and engineering courses have increasingly focused on educating students in AI, robotics and data analytics.
Employment opportunities and demand for scientists, and electrical and electronic engineers have been steady over the last 75 years. A flurry of research projects has been pursued in these areas as well.
Globally, the Covid-19 pandemic has revealed that the younger generation has been inspired by health professionals and engineers. The following are suggestions to revive interest in STEM by students wanting to secure a better livelihood in the future.
FIRST, the government should continue to emphasise STEM education as a force for a better tomorrow for students. Schools should be better equipped with teachers and facilities to nurture interest and knowledge in this discipline.
Such initiatives will augur well for the development of a scientific tradition in our society. Educators have made subjects interesting for students before. They could do the same for STEM subjects.
SECOND, mathematics is the language for engineers and scientists. Therefore, students who wish to study science and engineering should become good in mathematics and physics. Parents also have a role to play in cultivating interest in these subjects.
THIRD, universities and industries should join forces to highlight the talent needs more enthusiastically. Joint school visits could be made to highlight the dearth of talent in science and technology and emphasise how STEM education would ensure greater employability upon graduation.
FOURTH, universities will have to redesign their science, technology and engineering curriculums to offer industry-relevant courses and for the development of skills demanded by Industry 4.0 technologies.
It is never too late for us to encourage our children to study STEM courses at school and university.
