by Theleaders | June 27, 2026 4:55 pm
NIBONG TEBAL, June 27 — Malaysia’s biggest challenge in becoming a technology-creating nation is no longer infrastructure, but developing high-quality, future-ready, and sustainable local talent.
Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (MOSTI) deputy secretary-general (Planning and Science Enculturation) Datuk Ruziah Shafie said that developing a stronger, more resilient, and globally competitive future workforce requires early exposure to science, technology, and innovation (STI), as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), through continuous science culture and outreach programmes.
She said that the National Science Week (MSN) programme is one of MOSTI’s key initiatives to cultivate youth’s interest in these fields while also bridging the gap between classroom learning and the real needs of high-technology industries.
“We are all aware that today’s geopolitical landscape and global supply chain challenges require countries to achieve technology sovereignty. Malaysia can no longer remain merely a consumer of technology; we must rise to become a creator of technology.
“The greatest challenge we face now is ensuring that our local talent possesses the quality, readiness, and capability to adapt to the rapid pace of global change,” she said.
She said this while officiating the launch of the STEM Showcase held in conjunction with the MSN 2026 -Northern Zone at Sekolah Menengah Jenis Kebangsaan (SMJK) Jit Sin II today. The event was also attended by Tech Dome Penang chief executive officer Khoo Boo Wooi.
Ruziah said that when launching the MSN 2026 programme in April, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang set a target of 1.15 million participants nationwide, with the goal of delivering inclusive and impactful exposure to STI and STEM across communities.
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