- From 2025, all Malaysian schools must offer STEM Package A with core science subjects and Additional Mathematics.
- The move aims to boost STEM education and career readiness through stronger industry and community collaboration.
- It aligns with Malaysia’s goal to build a skilled, innovation-driven future workforce.
Starting from 2025, all schools in Malaysia will be required to offer at least one Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Package A class, the Education Ministry announced in a recent parliamentary written reply dated November 6.
STEM Package A includes all three core science subjects Physics, Biology, and Chemistry along with Additional Mathematics. Meanwhile, STEM Package B comprises any two science subjects paired with Additional Mathematics. The ministry said this initiative aims to strengthen STEM education and ensure students are equipped with essential scientific knowledge and analytical skills for the future.
According to the ministry, schools are encouraged to provide proper guidance and counselling to students when choosing between STEM Package A or Package B, based on their interests, aptitudes, and career aspirations. Schools are also urged to collaborate with parents, government agencies, academia, industry, and the wider community to increase awareness of the importance of STEM education particularly the role of Additional Mathematics in shaping students’ academic and professional pathways.
The statement was issued in response to a question from Datuk Seri Dr. Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Hitam), who sought clarification on the definition of STEM subjects and whether the focus of instruction is primarily on pure sciences.
The ministry clarified that STEM encompasses a broad range of disciplines offered at both school and tertiary levels. These include Science, Additional Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering Studies, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics, among others. In terms of pedagogy, STEM education refers to an integrated instructional approach that combines the four disciplines to help students apply their knowledge, skills, and values to solve real-world problems while nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and innovation.
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The ministry further explained that upper secondary students are given the opportunity to choose elective subject packages aligned with their interests and abilities. Specialized Science and Technology packages were first introduced in 2001 to encourage high-performing students in Science and Mathematics at the PMR level to continue their studies in related fields.
Since the curriculum reform in 2020, students have been allowed to pursue either the STEM package or the Humanities and Arts package, selecting elective subjects from STEM, Islamic Studies, Language, and Humanities and Professional Arts groups. These packages are designed to meet the needs of students aiming to continue their education in universities, matriculation programmes, Form Six, polytechnics, community colleges, and other post-secondary institutions.
