A Paper presented at the
SECOND INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON
SCIENCE EDUCATION IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
October 16, 2008, Ankara, Turkey
by
Ting-Kueh Soon1 & Ai-Hwa Quek2
1Academic of Sciences Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia2University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1. MALAYSIAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
MALAYSIAN FACT SHEET
Independence Now 2008Population 7.4 million 27.4 million
Life Expectancy (Years) M 56 F 58 M 72 F 76
Infant Mortality Rate 76 per 1,000 5.1 per 1,000
Gross Domestic Product RM 5.0 billion RM 1,000.3 billion
Per Capital GNP < RM 800 RM 38,860
Literary Rate 50% 98%
School Enrolment Rate M 50% F 32% M & F 98.4%
Poverty Rate 51.2% 5.0%
1.1 GDP GROWTH IN MALAYSIA / WORLD
GDP Growth (Malaysia)
1999 6.2 per cent
2000 13.9 per cent
2001 - 2.4 per cent
2002 7.9 per cent
2003 5.7 per cent
2004 7.1 per cent
2005 5.7 per cent
2006 5.3 per cent
2007 5.5 per cent
2008* 5.6 per cent
* Forecast
GDP Growth 2005
China 9.8 per cent
Thailand 5.6 per cent
Philippines 5.8 per cent
Malaysia 5.7 per cent
Indonesia 5.6 per cent
Hong Kong 4.5 per cent
R of Korea 4.0 per cent
Singapore3.5 per cent
USA 3.5 per cent
United Kingdom 2.1 per cent
Euro Area 1.5 per cent
Japan 1.3 per cent
World 4.0 per cent
1.2 S&T DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA: THE EARLIER YEARS
Malaysia – gained its independence from the British in 1957
R & D Expenditure (2002) – 2,500.6 million or 0.69% of GDP, comprising 1,633.1 million for private sector and 867.5 million for public sector
R & D Human Resource (2002) – 10,728 comprising 7,154 researchers, 1,379 technicians & 2,195 supporting staff
1.3 S&T DEVELOPMENT IN 8TH MALAYSIA PLAN (2001 – 2005)
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
MICROELECTRONICSAUTOMATION & ROBOTICSBIOTECHNOLOGYADVANCED MATERIALSMICROSATELLITE AND AEROSPACE
INDUSTRY
1.3 S&T DEVELOPMENT IN 8TH MALAYSIA PLAN (2001 – 2005)
MULTIMEDIA SUPER CORRIDOR (MSC)
7 Flagship Projects
2nd phase of development – MSC clusters
MALAYSIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
3 Biotech Institutes – Agriculture, Industrial & Health-Care
1.4 S&T DEVELOPMENT IN 9TH MALAYSIA PLAN (2006 – 2010)
NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY – launched in 2007 by the Prime Minister of Malaysia – envisions Biotechnology as a new economic engine for Wealth Creation and Social Well-being
Formation of the Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation (MBC) Sdn Bhd
1.5 S&T DEVELOPMENT IN 9TH MALAYSIA PLAN (2006 – 2010)
MALAYSIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY:Pro-business governmentPolitical stabilityCost-effective base for businessExcellent transportation and ICT
infrastructure Cost-competitive base of knowledge
workers Rich diversity in flora and fauna
1.5 S&T DEVELOPMENT IN 9TH MALAYSIA PLAN (2006 – 2010)
MALAYSIAN BIOTECHNOLOGY:Agricultural BiotechnologyModernizing agriculture – increasing yields & productivity,
development of natural products and new materials, bio-farming technologies
Healthcare BiotechnologyCreating new value and growth opportunities in health care
and wellness – Bio-generics, diagnostics for infectious diseases & vaccines for tropical diseases
Industrial BiotechnologyValue creation in industrial production in Enzymes & Industrial
Chemicals, Renewable energy and Bio-materials
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
THE NATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Our nation, Malaysia is dedicated to achieving a greater unity of all her people; to maintaining a democratic way of life; to creating a just society in which the wealth of the nation shall be equitably shared; to ensuring a liberal approach to her rich and diverse cultural traditions; to building a progress society which shall be oriented toward modern science and technology.
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
THE NATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
We, her people, pledge our united efforts to attain these ends guided by these principles:
BELIEF IN GODLOYALTY TO KING AND COUNTRYUPHOLDING THE CONSTITUTIONRULE OF LAWGOOD BEHAVIOUR AND MORALITY
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
NATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATIONEducation in Malaysia is an on-going effort toward
developing the potential of individuals in a holistic and integrated manner, so as to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically balanced and harmonious based a firm belief in and devotion to God. Such an effort is designed to produce Malaysian citizens who are knowledge and competent, who possess high moral standards and who are responsible and capable of achieving a high level of personal well being as well as being able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the family, society and the nation at large.
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY
In consonance with the National Education Philosophy, science education in Malaysia natures a Science and Technology Culture by focusing on the development of individuals who are competitive, dynamic, robust and resilient, and able to master scientific knowledge and technological competency.
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
The Malaysian population is well educated in science and technology, and is comfortable with their use in everyday life.
The Malaysian Government recognizes and strongly supports the role of science and technology in socio-economic development of the nation.
There is a general consensus that science and technology will play a major role in Malaysia’s future.
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
THE MALAYSIAN EDUCATION SYSTEMSix years of primary schoolFive years of secondary educationTwo years of pre-university
Education System is very much examination oriented with major examination at the ends of primary, secondary and pre-university studies.
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
Science is taught from primary one onwards and continues until secondary five for non-science school students
For science students, they will continue to major in science in pre-university before enrolling in a university for a science, engineering, medical, or other science-related course
2. SCIENCE EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
For the last two decades or so, there is a decline in the interest in science as shown in the enrollment of science students in schools
The students are being influenced by more lucrative jobs in the employment market – lawyers, accountants, banking & finance, & more recently computer and information technology
2.1 DECLINING INTEREST IN SCIENCE
REASONS FOR DECLINING INTEREST:
SCIENCE IS DIFFICULT & BORINGCAREER IN SCIENCE – NOT REWARDING
FINANCIALLY & HAS LITTLE SCOPECAREER OPPORTUNITIES – LIMITEDPEER AND PARENTAL INFLUENCELACK OF UNDERSTANDING AND
APPRECIATION OF SCIENCE
2.2 REVERSING THE TREND
ENCOURANG MORE STUDENTS TO DO SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS
PROMOTING BETTER PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS & OTHER INCENTIVES
CREATING MORE JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES
2.2 REVERSING THE TREND
MALAYSIA: FOR THE LAST TWO DECADES
Percentage Enrolment of Secondary Schools
Year Science Arts
1997 32 % 68 %2002 47 % 53 %2010 60 % 40 % (targeted)
- Minister of Education (3.03.2003)
2.3 CURRENT ISSUES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
ENCOURANG MORE STUDENTS TO DO SCIENCE IN SCHOOLS
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN S&T
DEVELOPING LANGUAGE & SOFE SKILLS
PROVIDING HUMAN CAPITALS FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
TEACHING SCIENCE & MATHS IN ENGLISH
2.3 CURRENT ISSUES IN SCIENCE EDUCATION
TEACHING SCIENCE & MATHS IN ENGLISH
Pros & cons in the use of English as a medium of instruction
2.4 THE NATIONAL EDUCATION BLUEPRINT (PIPP)
The National Education Blueprint (PIPP) 2006-2010 was launched by the Prime Minister in 2007 as a master plan to provide quality education for all
The Blueprint is provided with an allocation of RM 23 billion under the Ninth Malaysia Plan
2.4 THE NATIONAL EDUCATION BLUEPRINT (PIPP)
The Blueprint emphasizes on the following:
Education for nation buildingEducation for human capital developmentStrengthening of national schools with
reduction of the education gapAccording prestige in teaching and
accelerating educational excellence
2.4 THE NATIONAL EDUCATION BLUEPRINT (PIPP)
The Blueprint also emphasises on quality teachers and teacher education & training
The selection process for teacher trainees has been made more vigorous & stringent – M-TEST& Interview
Providing incentives such as better pay and working condition, in-service training and career development path to create a quality and motivated teaching profession
3. SCIENCE HIGHER EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
TERTIARY SCIENCE EDUCATIONHighly academicContent-drivenExamination-oriented
GraduatesMore suited for academic / teaching careers
Less attuned to interests of employers at the workplace
3. SCIENCE HIGHER EDUCATION IN MALAYSIACHANGES IN TERTIARY SCIENCE EDUCATIONMaking Malaysian science graduates – knowledgeable
& employable
At present, Malaysian University Science Curricula: highly academic, content-based & examination
oriented
Weak in the command of the English Language
Lack in ICT, other “soft skills”, entrepreneurship and other business skills
3. SCIENCE HIGHER EDUCATION IN MALAYSIAChanges in tertiary science curricula to incorporate
Courses in psychology, management & marketing
Use of English as the medium of instruction
Incorporating ICT skills in instructional design
Incorporating other soft skills such as:Team-building skills Inter-personal skillsEvaluation skills Problem-solving skillsInnovative skills Value-improving skillsResourcefulness Global-understanding skillsResearch skills Entrepreneurship skills
3.1 SCIENCE HIGHER EDUCATION IN MALAYSIA
Table 1: Output of Degree Courses in Malaysia (1986 – 2005)
COURSE 5MP (1986-1990) 6MP (1991-1995) 7MP (1996-2000) 8MP (2001-2005)
Number % Number % Number % Number %
Arts & Humanities 27,780 53 49,018 62 82,123 57 161,102 48.4
including
Business,
Economics & Law
Science including 17,510 33 19,642 25 40,077 28 100,967 30.4
Medicine, Pure
Sciences,
Agriculture & Others
Engineering, 7,550 14 10,504 13 21,953 15 70,650 21.2
Technical, Architecture,
Surveying & Others
TOTAL 52,840 100 79,164 100 144,153 100 332,719 100
4. PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING & ATTITUDE TOWARDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Understanding refers to “The public’s comprehension of scientific and technological concepts and methods”
Attitude refers to public interest in science and technology, perception towards science and technology, and importance attached to science and technology
4.1 UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Malaysia ranks poorly compared to other advanced nations such as USA, Japan & EU (MASTIC)
The level has also declined over the years from 2000 (MASTIC)
4.2 ATTITUDE TOWARDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Malaysians generally feel positive about the effects of science and technology, scientific research and the future role of science and technology (MASTIC)
4.3 IMAGE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Malaysians have good perception of scientists and engineers
Malaysians generally do not favour working in science and technology
Malaysians are positive on the social and economic role of science and technology
4.4 ACTIVITIES IN PROMOTING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING AND AWARENESS
Activities undertaken by the following:Public institutions such as government
ministries, agencies and Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM)
Private corporationsNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
such as Malaysian Scientific Association (MSA)
5. SCIENCE LITERATE SOCIETY
A society that is not only capable of generating new knowledge and technologies, but is also able to utilise this knowledge to produce innovative products and services as well as to ensure their widespread diffusion and adoption
5. SCIENCE LITERATE SOCIETY
Science for Policy
Providing scientific advice and understanding to politicians, senior government officials and corporate leaders on issues related to development, environment and quality of life
Policy for Science
Informed decision-makers making informed policy-decision on what is good science and appropriate technologies
5. SCIENCE LITERATE SOCIETY
Science for the public
Public understanding of science to make informed decisions on issues related to science and technology and ways of life
Public opinion on issues related to development, environment and sustainability
5. SCIENCE LITERATE SOCIETY
Science for the individuals
Public understanding of science for individuals to make informed choices on careers and lifestyle
Informed individuals to make informed decisions on finance, investment, government and other related issues
6. CONCLUSION
Science, Technology and Innovation today
Rapid development in science and technology
In order for us to be competitive in the global market place, there must be a high level of science and technology development
There must also be innovations in products and services
So, the Malaysian society must be able to constantly uplifting itself in science, technology and innovation to be on par with the best in the world
Datuk Dr Soon Ting Kueh Academy of Sciences Malaysia
Thank You