AsianScientist (Sep. 30, 2014) – Malaysia has become a founding partner in the Global STEM Alliance, a new high-tech multi-million dollar initiative dedicated to promoting young talent in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) around the world.
With the goal of developing over one million aspiring STEM leaders in more than 100 countries by 2020, the initiative will create a host of learning opportunities, including student connections and networking online with senior international mentors—the many New York Academy of Sciences member Nobel laureates among them.
The Alliance is a collaboration of over 70 governments, companies, NGOs, universities and schools with participants and organizations in over 50 countries. Founding nations and regions of the Global STEM Alliance are the USA, Malaysia, Rwanda, Benin, Bhutan and Barcelona.
“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are at the heart of modern life and provide the foundations for economic prosperity. The purpose of driving STEM education is not only to create economic opportunity for individuals; it’s to provide the fuel needed to power a science and technology driven economy,” said Malaysian prime minister Mr. Najib Razak.
Climate change, food, water and energy shortages, epidemics and the explosive growth of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are among the demands that need to be met by an innovative, STEM-educated workforce. Yet in emerging economy nations, where innovation is needed the most, there are far too few work-ready STEM professionals.
The Alliance will focus on three strategies: intergenerational mentoring, building foundational skills and building a global network of STEM innovators.
The Alliance’s first major initiative: The Junior Academy, a virtual learning and research platform to inspire and prepare gifted students around the world. The platform will include novel talent identification mechanisms, course work and authentic virtual research experiences, access to mentors, and a virtual writing center—tools that are especially valuable in developing, rural or impoverished urban areas, where qualified STEM instructors can be scarce.
CISCO Systems is a partner in the Alliance, creating the online networking and communications platforms enabling online courses, participation in Academy conferences, workshops, seminars, and other activities via laptops or smartphones, providing access to the best STEM learning resources via any web-enabled device and virtual partnerships leading to inter-generational global projects.
Mr. Zakri Abdul Hamid, Science Advisor to the Malaysian Prime Minister and co-chair of Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) said: “Countries will either have creative, educated young citizens who can out-innovate global competitors such as China and India or they will lag far behind in the world economy.”
“Our generation has to invest in and develop STEM education and talent to the limits of our ability, to find a way to get and keep kids interested—to make STEM fields as fun as football fields. I believe the Global STEM Alliance contributes a big piece in the solution to this puzzle.”
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Source: Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology; Photo: Eric Teoh/Flickr/CC.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
