Extending the value chain beyond science education

IN A world driven by science and technology, the push for education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields has become a priority. In fact, both the United Kingdom and the United States are grappling with a perceived STEM labour shortage that, if not addressed, could lead to shortfalls in sectors such as engineering, computer science and technology. This has led to concerted moves to promote STEM education.

In the UK, efforts to promote STEM education have resulted in the number of students in STEM courses reaching record highs. According to figures from Higher Education Funding Council, 98,000 students were accepted on to STEM undergraduate courses in the 2013-14 school year, a record number. In the US, concern over dwindling interest in STEM led to the launch of the "Educate to Innovate" campaign in 2009, which promotes STEM subjects among students and also addresses the shortage of teachers with the skills to teach in these fields. A more recent push for STEM is reflected in the Obama Administration's 2015 budget that invests US$2.9 billion in federal programmes on STEM education, a 3.7 per cent increase from 2014.

Singapore, with its traditional focus on maths and science at the primary and secondary education levels, has also started to place a strong focus on STEM at the higher levels.