The acronym, “STEM”, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is becoming increasingly used in the fields of education and the job market. It was first used in the context of developing a broader type of primary/secondary school education in the US[1], but is now widely used in the context of highlighting the kind of education graduates need in order to be prepared for the future.
In a speech made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 8th May 2015, he stressed that in order to develop its economy and to become a modern and technologically advanced society, Singapore will need to grow its talent and capabilities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics or STEM.
He said: “… For the next 50 years, we need strong STEM capabilities to be what we should be – a vibrant, exciting, advanced society. Recently I launched the Smart Nation programme to make Singapore a nation where technology and innovation strengthens our community and society, and enables people to live meaningful and fulfilled lives. There will be many opportunities for STEM graduates to make your mark and shape how we live, work and play. We are also upgrading our living environment – building greener homes, connecting our waterways and parks, expanding our public transport networks, embarking on complex engineer projects like the High Speed Rail link between Jurong East and Kuala Lumpur. All these require expertise and skills in engineering, technology and design.” [2]
The Engineering Science Programme at NUS is focused on providing a hands-on engineering multi-disciplinary “STEM” type of education that is founded on strong scientific/mathematical fundamentals. There are clear indications that a graduate with this kind of education will do well in the job market now and for the foreseeable future.
Please click on [1] for the definition of STEM and [2] for PM Lee’s speech transcript.
