STEM Hubs At 27 IPGM Campuses Expected To Benefit Community, Schools

GEORGE TOWN, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Hubs at all 27 campuses of the Institute of Teacher Education Malaysia (IPGM) nationwide is hoped to be fully utilised by the entire community.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said the STEM Hubs are an effort to enhance the knowledge and skills of trainee teachers, IPGM lecturers, school teachers, students, and the community in the field of STEM, while also serving as a platform to encourage innovation and creativity.

“Education should not only be confined to schools but must transcend all levels, and this is particularly important when a STEM Hub programme or project like this can be fully utilised by the entire community.

“Therefore, the role of IPGM as a teaching school can be expanded and enhanced, especially as the expertise of IPGM lecturers can be utilised by all schools, particularly in our efforts to elevate STEM education in the country,” she told reporters after launching the national-level IPGM STEM Hub at the IPGM Penang Campus here today.

She also expressed hope that all the facilities provided, including science laboratories, technology workshop spaces, computer rooms, and relevant equipment such as robotics, electronic kits, and 3D printers, would be fully utilised by all, especially schools and STEM teachers.

“All schools can access these facilities, and IPGM not only offers module programmes but also expertise. For example, at IPG Penang, their expertise lies in Science and Mathematics, so we can certainly make full use of that expertise here,” she said.

Fadhlina also announced that the Ministry of Education (MOE) allocated RM12,000 for the development of each STEM Hub at IPGM, in line with efforts to strengthen STEM education and in accordance with the Educational Reform initiatives that KPM is actively implementing at all levels.

She said the STEM Hubs are divided into several key components, such as hands-on STEM activities; training and workshops for teachers and students in local schools; community STEM programmes; and collaborations with external agencies and industries to ensure relevance and effectiveness.

Each of these components, she said, is designed to support the programme’s overall goal of strengthening STEM education and increasing STEM enrolment.

According to the ministry, the establishment of STEM Hubs at IPGM campuses will improve the quality of teacher training; support teaching based on best practices; foster innovation in teaching; produce competent STEM teachers; strengthen STEM education in schools; provide reference and collaboration centres; and attract students to STEM careers.

The STEM Hubs were simultaneously launched at all 27 IPGM campuses across Malaysia today.

-- BERNAMA