SELANGAU: A shortage of students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields here has raised concerns over future workforce readiness and rural economic growth.
Selangau Member of Parliament, Edwin Banta, said fewer students were choosing STEM courses, especially engineering, despite the sector offering wider employment opportunities and better income prospects.
“Based on data from education aid recipients, we found that fewer students are choosing STEM fields, especially engineering, even though these fields offer wider job opportunities and higher income,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the closing of the Mini Sales Carnival and Agency Programme with the Ulu Arip community on Friday.
Edwin said strengthening STEM participation was crucial to improving the economic standing and quality of life of youths in rural areas.
He added that students from Selangau pursuing higher education also receive one-off education assistance to ease financial burdens.
“For 2026 alone, RM70,800 has been channelled to 84 recipients, while a total of 569 students have benefited since its introduction in 2023, with overall assistance reaching RM561,000,” he said.
He also urged parents to place greater emphasis on their children’s education to help secure a better future for their families.
Meanwhile, Edwin said the Sarawak Government had approved RM4.8 million to assist farmers in the Selangau parliamentary constituency, particularly in coffee plantation development.
He advised farmers to maintain high-quality coffee production to remain competitive and penetrate wider markets.
During the event, Edwin also presented education aid cheques to 32 higher education students and handed over five aid cheques to associations and longhouse Village Development and Security Committees (JKKK).
