STEM is an acronym referring to the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The term is typically used when addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve competitiveness in science and technology development. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns and immigration policy. Malaysia is gearing up to promote interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among school children through the launching of the Kuala Lumpur Engineering and Science Fair 2014 (KLESF 2014). Since the 1970s, Malaysia has recognized STEM education as an impetus to nation building. A strong STEM education programme is also needed for Malaysia to achieve developed nation status by 2020. A successful STEM education programme can therefore be reflected by the birth of critical thinkers, increase in science literacy and enabling the next generation of innovators.

Percentage of total article output in the Physical Sciences & STEM versus the Health Sciences for sub-Saharan Africa regions and comparator countries, 2012. Source: Scopus.

Overall number of articles and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for SSA regions and comparator countries, 2003-2012. Source: Scopus.