Kuala lumpur: The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Literacy Empowerment initiative for Tamil National-Type Schools (SJKT), known as Ariviyal Ainthiram, implemented by the Malaysian Biotechnology Information Centre (MABIC), has benefited nearly 79,000 students from 525 SJKTs nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, with an allocation of RM698,227 from the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA), Ariviyal Ainthiram focuses on raising awareness and interest among SJKT students in STEM. MITRA Special Task Force Committee chairman, P. Prabakaran, stated that MABIC had received the MITRA grant to implement various STEM-related programs, including science quiz competitions and the publication of the Petri Dish science newspaper, which was also distributed to all 525 SJKTs.
The programme, known as ‘Ariviyal Ainthiram,’ is implemented in two components, running from October 2023 to July 2025. The first component involves the distribution of Petri Dish newspapers, which include a special Tamil-language insert focused on STEM literacy. The highlight of this programme is the ‘Who Wants to Be a Scientist’ competition, held today, featuring 90 top students selected from over 2,000 participants nationwide for the science quiz. The final round was conducted in an interactive format and judged by academic experts from several local universities.
Prabakaran emphasized the success of Ariviyal Ainthiram, reflecting the capability of grant recipients who adhere to the application guidelines and implement the programme in line with the specified requirements. He noted that many have failed to secure the MITRA grant because they did not follow the basic guidelines, but MABIC has proven effective implementation can yield impressive results.
Meanwhile, MABIC executive director Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan expressed her appreciation to MITRA for the allocation, which has enabled MABIC to implement the STEM literacy programme for the target group. She emphasized MABIC’s goal to not only deliver the newspaper to Tamil schools but to ensure it is read and fully utilized, hoping it will spark greater interest in STEM and encourage students to explore other STEM-related resources. The aim is to prepare SJKT students for viable and attractive career choices in STEM fields.