PUTRAJAYA, Oct 5 — A total of 300 scientists will be brought to 300 schools nationwide through the STI 100³ Year 2026 Programme, starting today, in an effort to expand the culture of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) and attract more students to pursue fields in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) said that the programme, in strategic collaboration with the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT), also expands the involvement of professional technologists and technicians in the national STI ecosystem.
Scientists will be matched with schools based on their areas of expertise to carry out various STI cultural activities, including knowledge sharing, interaction with students, and exposure to real-life STEM applications.
The involvement of scientists at the school level is expected to inspire students to pursue STI as a future career path.
"This effort is important for Malaysia to achieve high-tech nation status and create an innovation-based economy," it said in a statement today.
MOSTI added that the initiative serves as a catalyst to encourage more school students to pursue STEM fields, ensuring the country has sufficient talent and workforce to invigorate the national STI ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the programme brings the expertise of scientists, technologists, and technicians directly to schools to expose students to real-life applications of STEM.
“We also want this exposure to spark curiosity, build confidence, and open students' minds regarding studies and career opportunities in the field of STEM.
"This is an effort to build STI talent capable of creating, mastering, and leading future technology. This programme will hopefully provide a boost to the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy for Malaysia to become a country that produces and creates technology using domestic talent," he said.
Based on the Malaysia Statistics Department's data, 86,384 STEM job offers through online job advertisements were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2025, indicating that demand for labour in this field continues in the national job market.
The STI 100³ 2026 Programme was launched on August 18 in conjunction with the MBOT Experts Network in Technology, Innovation, and Cooperative Event.
The initiative also strengthens cooperation among MOSTI, the Education Ministry, MBOT, the scientific community, and schools to expand the culture of STI and exposure to STEM.
