BY SHAISTA FALAK
The field of Data Science and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is an avenue of profound growth and opportunity.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, during the 7th convocation ceremony at University of Technology Sarawak, emphasised the vital role of skilled data analysts and cyber security experts, referring to data as the state’s new oil. Yet, a critical issue persists — the low representation of women in STEM, especially in roles of leadership and participation.
In a recent collaborative project led by the researchers from University of Technology Sarawak and conducted across Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and India, the researchers embarked on an exploratory study to understand and remove the barriers preventing young girls from entering STEM programmes.
Conducted with university undergraduate student facilitators, the project centred on high school students aged 14 to 16. It encompassed various activities, including online workshops with guest speakers, co-located sessions in secondary schools, and regular online planning and reflection sessions.
One of the critical findings of the study is the need to dispel negative perceptions and deliver a clearer, more inspiring vision of the influence and purpose of data science.
The researchers propose several solutions to bridge the gap, including mentorship programmes, financial aid and initiatives aimed at bolstering self-assurance among young girls. By encouraging self-learning and forming study groups, these initiatives aim to nurture competencies and self-confidence in science subjects among aspiring female students.
This project employed innovative design-based tools to identify the hurdles girls face when pursuing STEM programmes, enabling the researchers to better understand the issues inhibiting their entry into these fields. The study emphasises the significance of understanding the challenges and aspirations of these young women and calls for collective action from educational institutions, families, and society to pave the way for an equitable and innovative future in the field of Data Science and STEM.
The study emphasises the significance of dispelling negative perceptions and providing an inspiring vision for Data Science and STEM education’s impact and purpose. Despite a recent UNESCO report ranking Malaysian and Tunisian students as more likely to graduate in STEM fields, the study uncovers a need for more comprehensive analysis, highlighting the absence of disaggregated data on the status of STEM education among females based on ethnicity and rural and urban settings.
Specifically, the study suggests demystifying parents’ general perceptions of STEM education and cultivating a deeper understanding of its value and potential career paths.
Additionally, involving parents of middle school girls, arranging campus visits, and offering insights into admissions and funding processes are vital to instilling trust and nurturing the interest of underrepresented girls in STEM. With support from Wellcome Trust UK and Code for Science & Society, USA, this research opens the door to a brighter, more inclusive future in STEM education.
Shaista Falak (shaista@uts.edu.my) is a lecturer at the School of Business and Management,
University of Technology Sarawak. The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
