Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) has earned two Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) recognitions through its STI 100³ programme, which saw the simultaneous participation of 8,804 scientists and 8,804 schools nationwide. Minister Chang Lih Kang said the initiative set two records: Largest Scientist Participation in a Simultaneous STEM Programme: Scientists@Schools: Jom STI! and Largest School Participation in a Simultaneous STEM Programme: Scientists@Schools: Jom STI!.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme reflects the Prime Minister’s vision to enhance science education beyond textbooks by strengthening it through interactive, collaborative, and real-world approaches. Chang was speaking at the launch of the STI 100³ programme themed Scientists@Schools: Jom STI!, held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Tiara Permai today, alongside Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.

He added that the initiative harnessed the expertise of local scientists from government agencies, academia, industry, and non-governmental organisations to engage directly with students as mentors and role models. Chang said the programme will be carried out in 100-day cycles to continuously instill interest in science, technology, and innovation (STI) among students through high-impact, sustained engagement.

Since its launch in September 2024, the initiative has proven effective, with the first two cycles pairing 150 scientists with 150 schools, resulting in over 450 interactive activities that have benefited more than 38,000 students, teachers, and school communities. Speaking at a press conference later, Chang said the government is actively working to bridge the STEM education gap between rural and urban students through various initiatives, including the Kembara Sains Borneo programme.

‘With increasing investment driven by technology, we need more of our children to pursue studies in STEM fields,’ he added.