He said an analysis by the Malaysian Science and Technology Information Centre (Mastic) revealed a downward trend across subjects, such as Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

He also said the study found a 17.37% drop in students taking up Additional Mathematics subjects in 2023 compared to 2018.

“Emphasis on enhancing mastery levels in Mathematics subjects needs to be increased based on the number of students failing in Mathematics and Additional Mathematics,” he said at the launch of the National Science Week (MSN) 2024 carnival here.

Chang said his ministry would keep working with the education ministry to cultivate science, technology, and innovation (STI) through cultural programmes outside the classroom for students to strengthen the national science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) agenda.

He added that his ministry would be organising MSN 2024 in a hybrid format, aiming to engage over 600,000 participants with both carnival-style events and online activities until October.

“MSN 2024 themed ‘Popularising Science, Humanising Technology, Democratising Innovation’ emphasises the involvement of all segments of society in promoting scientific innovation alongside the rapid advancements in technology,” he said.

Chang added that the MSN 2024 carnival, which started yesterday at the National Science Centre, would also be held in Perak, Perlis, Penang, Kelantan, and Putrajaya.

The carnival will focus on seven areas: planetary health, chemistry and biotechnology, safe use of nuclear technology, social innovation, engineering and artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and space.

“The selection of these focus areas aims to underscore and enhance understanding of the interconnected importance of STI fields while supporting sustainable development goals,” he said.