Kota bharu: To achieve developed nation status, Malaysia must ensure that 70 per cent of employment opportunities are in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), said Abdullah Daud, secretary of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Enculturation and Services Division of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abdullah emphasized MOSTI's role in empowering the STEM field across all levels of society, with a focus on the younger generation. He highlighted the necessity for seven out of ten jobs to be centered around STEM disciplines, particularly in engineering, architecture, and science, during his address at the 2025 STI MADANI Carnival held at UTC Kelantan.

Abdullah outlined MOSTI's initiatives to promote STEM awareness and education, including the nationwide rollout of the STI MADANI Carnival, which aims to reach even the rural areas. This year's programme implementation is tailored to parliamentary constituencies, thus providing comprehensive STEM exposure to the targeted groups and ensuring inclusivity beyond urban regions.

Furthermore, he revealed that the ministry has engaged researchers from Universiti Malaya to gather data on students' interests and tendencies in the STEM field through the STI programme. The interim report by these researchers highlighted that certain states, including Kelantan, Sabah, and Sarawak, are still trailing in terms of interest and engagement in STEM.