Using Space Science as a Tool To Promote STEM Education to High School Students in Malaysia

The importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Malaysia is paramount, especially now, as we are heading towards the fourth industrial revolution. However, popularity of STEM education among local students needs a boast to meet the demand of future industrial needs. Here we report our initial descriptive finding, by using space science to promote STEM, the interest among students from elite high schools are extraordinarily high after participating in the Citra ANGKASA program. The program specifically includes the viewing of a space related documentary, a lecture on Astrobiology, a hands-on activity and a talk describing a journey of a former astronaut. Data was collected to gauge the interest of participants after this program. This work also indicate that the direct involvement of higher education institutions can contribute significantly for STEM development in Malaysia.