Putrajaya:The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) is intensifying its efforts to boost statistical literacy among young people through a series of educational programmes. These initiatives include debate competitions, datathons, and public speaking events, all aimed at enhancing the understanding and use of official data.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, DOSM's Chief Statistician Siti Asiah Ahmad emphasized the importance of these programmes in equipping the younger generation with the skills to accurately find, understand, and utilize data. The programmes are scheduled to continue annually, coinciding with National Statistics Day on October 20.

The debate competition is targeted at students from public institutions of higher learning. Participants are encouraged to integrate DOSM data into their arguments, earning bonus points for doing so. This strategy promotes familiarity with official data sources and demonstrates how data can effectively support arguments.

In addition, the datathon offers students the opportunity to employ DOSM data, along with suitable technology and software, to develop analyses and solutions. This experience aims to improve their ability to interpret data accurately and transform it into meaningful information.

For secondary school students, DOSM organizes a public speaking competition, incentivizing the use of department data with bonus points. Participants are expected to extract authentic data from DOSM's website and publications to substantiate their speeches.

Participation in these programmes has steadily increased since their introduction, now drawing over 100 entries compared to the initial eight to 20 groups. The scope of participation has also expanded nationwide, allowing more students the chance to engage in these educational activities.

Successful participants will have the opportunity to advance to the final stage in Putrajaya, which will take place as part of the National Statistics Day celebrations on October 20. Siti Asiah confirmed that these initiatives, alongside other statistical literacy programmes, will continue annually to foster a generation that appreciates the significance of statistics and can make informed decisions based on data.