KUCHING: Only 26 per cent of Bumiputera students are taking up Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
This was revealed by Chief Minister, Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg in his speech during a Hari Raya gathering entitled “Ramah Tamah Aidilfitri Pertubuhan Anak Seni Bandarshah” held at Sarawak Chamber, Riverside Majestic Hotel here on Sunday night.
He said he had established the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technological Research to encourage more Bumiputera students to take up studies in the particular fields.
“In Sekolah Menengah Science Matang which can accommodate 1,000 students, only four per cent are Bumiputera students,” he explained.
Johari urged parents to encourage their children to pursue studies, particularly in science and technology.
“We are heading towards a digital economy. Therefore, our children must have good education, especially in science and technology.”
Also present at the Hari Raya gathering were the chairman of Pertubuhan Anak Seni Bandarshah Kuching (PASBK), Abdul Rahman Zainudin, chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), Tan Sri Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Dato Husain and chairman of Brooke Dockyard & Engineering Works Corporation, Datuk Abang Abdul Karim Tun Abang Openg.
