STEM
About STEM Project
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is important because it encompasses every part of our life. The concept of science and mathematics is all around us. Technology and engineering nowadays are crucial and necessary in our daily life. Eventually, as life becomes more closely related to STEM, we must equip ourselves with knowledge and skills in this field, especially the young generations. Despite its importance, the interest of students in schools towards STEM is lessening. Student's enrolment in the science stream is in decline. The estimated percentage of declination is about 3% every year. This scenario is worsening as there are no takers for some science courses at the tertiary level.
Realizing this situation, the Ministry of Education Malaysia has come up with the Malaysia Education Blueprint which is planned for the year 2013 – 2025. The blueprint was developed based on research findings and national dialogues involving all levels of stakeholders such as the public and communities, parents, teachers, school leaders, education leaders at the districts and states level, other ministries, universities, industries and private sectors.
In 2018, the Knowledge Management Unit, IRC, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) had initiated STEM activities as a platform for a knowledge ecosystem whereby all talent, expertise, and technology are being produced and cultivated in university been shared and transferred for the benefits of the community.
Initiative to Strengthen STEM Education
Below are among the initiatives conducted in STEM programs:
- UTP Mentoring Program
- UTP STEM Idols
- Research Based Learning
- STEM Gateway
The initiative's objectives are to:
- Stimulate students' interest in STEM through the formal and informal approach to learning.
- Sharpen teachers' knowledge and skills in teaching STEM related subjects through continuous professional development programs.
- Increase awareness and acculturation in STEM among students, teachers and community through STEM programs.
Professor Dr Suzana Yusup
Professor Ir. Dr Suzana Yusup (PEng, CEng, CSci, MIChemE), is the Director of Higher Institution Center of Excellence Center for Biofuel & Biochemical Research. The center is one of Higher Institution Center of Excellence under Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia. She is also the Head of Center for Biofuel & Biochemical Research at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) and is a Professor at Chemical Engineering Department. She obtained her BEng. (Hons) in Chemical Engineering from University of Leeds UK, MSc in Chemical Engineering from University of Wales UK and her PhD from University of Bradford, UK in Chemical Engineering. She has more than 20 years of teaching experience. Her research interest is in the areas of biomass conversion to fuel and biochemicals, material development, and green processes. Professor Dr Suzana Yusup has authored book, book chapters, more than 300 articles in high impact factor journals and conference papers with cumulative citation number of 6460 and h-index of 45 (Sources: Scopus). Further, she holds 15 granted patents that focus on biomass conversion to biofuel and biomaterials. Among important recognition gained through her research are Malaysia’s Research Star Award (MRSA) (2019), Private Education Excellence Award (2018), Malaysia’s Research Star Award (2017), Malaysia’s Rising Star Award (2016), 2nd prize in the Elsevier Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge (2016), Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM) (2016), and Asia Research Award (2012).
