STEM Education a Priority for Developing Superior Human Resources, Says Minister
Koba, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) - The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Abdul Mu’ti, has asserted that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) based education is a government priority in preparing superior human resources that are adaptive, innovative, and competitive amidst rapid digital technological developments.
“STEM is very important because we possess very rich natural resources, but we do not yet have sufficient human resources to process them,” said Abdul Mu’ti during his visit to Koba, Central Bangka, on Thursday.
He explained that the STEM approach integrates the learning of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a single unity to encourage students to solve real-world problems faced in daily life.
Through this approach, he stated, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, as well as to produce contextual solutions to various issues.
To support the implementation of this programme, he assessed that improving the quality of educators, particularly in STEM subject areas, is the first step that must be taken.
“The first step we must take is to improve the quality of educators, specifically in STEM subject areas,” he said.
Furthermore, according to him, efforts to increase student interest in studying science and technology also represent a challenge that requires serious attention.
Abdul Mu’ti emphasised that the success of STEM education development requires collaboration from various parties, ranging from the government and society to the business world.
“We need to synergise to implement this programme, involving the government, the community, and the business sector,” he said.
He believes that strong synergy between stakeholders will strengthen educational services and increase the interest of the younger generation in pursuing STEM fields.
“This will certainly serve as preparation for facing technological developments and the needs of the future workforce,” he added.