Culture Of Creativity Key To Nation’s Digital, Technology Revolution – Fadillah

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Cultivating a culture of creativity and shifting society’s tendency from being mere passive users to active contributors in shaping the digital and technology revolution is among the nation’s key objectives, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof.

He said a nation that was creative and innovative would be able to provide an environment and infrastructure that stimulates creativity, thereby encouraging the development of more advanced systems, products, ideas and processes.

“Therefore, programmes that nurture science, technology and innovation (STI) as well as a culture of creativity such as National Science Week (MSN) must be introduced as early as the primary education system to cultivate creativity and critical thinking.

“This culture must be rooted in cultural diversity and involve young people in technology hubs and prototype labs such as robotics and 3D printers,” he said when speaking at the Closing and Appreciation Ceremony of MSN 2025 at the National Science Centre tonight.

Also present was Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.

Fadillah said the agenda of cultivating STI was crucial, as research agencies under MOSTI were now exploring various new technologies for future generations, including electricity generation from hydrogen through solid-state technology in the Hydrogen Hyper Reactor.

“We are also seeing nuclear technologies that are beneficial, safe and sustainable already being used in the medical, agricultural and food preservation sectors, including the production of resilient nuclear rice.

“Therefore, we cannot be a nation that merely inherits, but must be one that cultivates STI, dares to create and innovate,” he said.

He added that the MADANI Government was serious about developing talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering and innovation (STEM), in line with the need to produce more local professionals to achieve the goal of a high-technology nation by 2030.

Fadillah said based on the response and achievements of this year’s MSN, the government recognised the role of the programme as a complement to the existing school curriculum by providing out-of-classroom STI learning through hands-on and interactive approaches.

“I call for continuous efforts from MOSTI, the Ministry of Education (MOE), the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) as well as strategic private-sector partners to continue strengthening the National STEM Agenda for the target groups, particularly children and school students.

“We must produce a generation that embraces STI and highly skilled talent that will contribute to the nation’s physical and economic development,” he said.

Fadillah also hoped that programmes such as MSN would have a significant impact in sparking the enthusiasm of students nationwide to pursue science and technology.

The MSN 2025 Tour is held nationwide, from Borneo to Peninsular Malaysia, with most activities conducted in line with the theme “Democratising Science, Humanising Technology, Mainstreaming Innovation”.

The programme covers three main approaches – Carnival, Expedition and Sponsorship – involving six main locations in 40 parliamentary constituencies, 47 schools and 452 educators and trainee teachers, along with innovation competitions, technology exhibitions and STEM workshops.

MSN 2025 also involves 136 strategic collaborations among government agencies, educational institutions, communities, NGOs and industry to ensure that STI continues to be cultivated.

The implementation of 23 STEM Kits and 17 sponsorship programmes has increased STI literacy and student interest in STEM to more than 80 per cent, while strengthening the role of science centres, schools and communities as catalysts for scientific thinking and national economic prosperity.

-- BERNAMA