Building the Nation’s Success Through STEM

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—is perceived as complex, challenging, and less appealing compared to fields such as arts, sports, and music. However, in today’s rapidly evolving landscape where artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology thrive, preparing students for future careers is more important than ever. According to the Ministry of Education (MOE), there is a significant growth in STEM enrolment, rising from 41.84% in 2019 to 50.83% in 2024[1]. This 10 percentage point increase marks the highest STEM enrolment in the past decade, signaling a new era where students are eager to embrace STEM learning.

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow: Making STEM Learning Interesting and Impactful

Recognizing the growing STEM enrolment and the challenges ahead within the STEM landscape, Samsung Malaysia, in collaboration with Universiti Malaya, launched Samsung Solve for Tomorrow to ignite curiosity and creativity among students, dismissing the myth that STEM learning is mundane.

“This design thinking-based competition aims to make STEM exploration more enjoyable, relevant, and meaningful for youths, while encouraging critical-thinking and problem-solving. It also allows students to apply their learned knowledge to real-world challenges and enable them to spark positive change within the community,” said Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of Universiti Malaya’s STEM Centre

Through Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, secondary students from Form 1 to Form 3 have the opportunity to collaborate with industry practitioners, gaining valuable insights and skills beyond the traditional classroom setting. This hands-competition empowers them with the tools and knowledge to create impactful, community-driven solutions, bridging the gap between theory learning and practical application. 

Malaysia’s Emerging STEM Jobs

By initiating Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, Samsung contributes to Malaysia’s effort of targeting a 60:40 ratio of science to arts[2]. The demand for STEM related jobs is expected to steadily increase in the coming years. Industry experts predict that emerging roles such as artificial intelligence experts, cloud engineers, software developers and big data analysts will see substantial growth to address the ever-increasing needs of the new economy[3], thus supporting Malaysia’s ambition of becoming a high-income nation through its highly skilled workforce.

The evolving technology environment calls for educators to cultivate an early interest in STEM among students. By fostering engagement from primary through secondary education, Malaysia empowers its future generation to develop skills and innovative thinking needed to solve local issues. Early exposure to STEM not only helps the nation keep pace with global trends, but also position Malaysia as a leader in driving technological advancements.

Both Samsung Malaysia and Universiti Malaya remain committed to nurturing foster innovative STEM ideas, ensuring students are equipped to excel in the global arena and create a better world for all.

Follow the journey of the participants in this transformative competition on Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2024’s website ​or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

[1] The Star. STEM enrolment hits 50.83% for 2024, up from 41.84% in 2019, says Education Ministry.

[2] New Straits Times. [Updated] Low interest in STEM worrying, says PM.

[3] Sinar Daily. STEM related jobs will be high demand in future, experts say.