KUALA LUMPUR: A research by Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) indicates that interest in Science and Mathematics at schools and universities is at 28 per cent, Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof said yesterday.
“The ministry would want the percentage of interest in Science and Mathematics to increase to 60 per cent so that the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) talent pool can be expanded,” he said at the 19th prize presentation of the Malaysia Toray Science Foundation (MTSF).
Fadillah handed over accolades and grants to 34 scientists and researchers on behalf of the minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili at the ceremony.
The number of applicants vying for the accolades and grants was the highest this year, with 318 for the grants, 140 for the Science Education Award and 20 for the Science and Technology Award.
Fadillah said the increase in the number of applicants submitting their research and innovation was a good indication.
“With the emergence of MTSF, it will provide an opportunity for researchers to be given accolades. With these accolades, researchers will be acknowledged for their work and it would be easier for them to get funding.”
He said the ministry was looking for the type of support and incentive accorded by MTSF to propel Malaysia into becoming an STI-advanced nation.
“I urge other organisations to focus on research and development for STI, in terms of corporate social responsibility programmes to spur innovation and creativeness,” he added. — Bernama