What is STEM?

These are sometimes also called 21st Century Skills that students need to be successful in today’s world regardless of specific interests or career goals.

Unlike traditional education methods, which teach subjects in isolation, STEM combines them in a way that mimics how these fields interact in the real world. This approach often involves project-based learning, where students work on hands-on projects designed to solve real-world problems.

Through these projects, students learn to think critically, develop problem-solving skills, and work collaboratively, preparing them for future challenges and careers.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, technology and science are at the heart of many societal advancements and challenges. Exposing students to STEM and giving them opportunities to explore STEM-related concepts fosters a love for learning, innovation, and resilience.

Moreover, STEM education is crucial for personal and societal growth. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and contribute to their communities. It also drives national competitiveness by developing a skilled workforce capable of leading technological advancements and innovations.

In essence, STEM education is about preparing students for the future by giving them the tools to understand and shape the world around them. It’s about creating problem solvers, critical thinkers, and leaders who can navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

STEM is given high priority in the national education policies and strategies in all ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, with following case examples:

Indonesia
The Indonesian Ministry of Education and Culture has been emphasizing the importance of STEM to support the “Merdeka Belajar” (Freedom to Learn) initiative, aiming to foster critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning among students. This initiative encourages active learning through project-based and student-centered approaches.

Malaysia
Malaysia’s Ministry of Education launched the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025, which places a strong emphasis on STEM education to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a global economy. The blueprint outlines strategies for enhancing interest in STEM fields, improving the quality of STEM education, and ensuring equity of access.

Myanmar
Prior to the recent changes in Myanmar’s political landscape, the Ministry of Education had been working on integrating STEM education into the curriculum to enhance problem-solving skills and critical thinking among students. Efforts were focused on updating the curriculum and training teachers to implement more interactive and practical STEM lessons.

Philippines
The Philippines’ Department of Education (DepEd) supports STEM education through the K-12 curriculum, particularly in the Senior High School program where STEM is offered as one of the strands. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for college and future careers in science and technology.

Thailand
Thailand’s Ministry of Education has been implementing policies to strengthen STEM education at all levels. This includes the development of a STEM education center and initiatives to integrate STEM learning into classrooms to stimulate interest and improve literacy in science and mathematics among students.

Vietnam
The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training has identified STEM as a priority area, with a focus on innovative teaching methodologies that promote hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving skills. The government has been actively promoting STEM education through national competitions, STEM clubs, and integration into the national curriculum.

For the most current examples and specific policy statements, please visit each country’s official Ministry of Education website or consult their latest publications on education policy.