As Director of the STEM Foundation Centre at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, I have always believed that strong foundation education is the key to developing future talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). At the STEM Foundation Centre, our mission goes beyond preparing students academically; we aim to cultivate confident, innovative, and future-ready individuals who are equipped to thrive in higher education and the evolving global landscape.

Since its establishment, the STEM Foundation Centre has continued to grow as an important platform for nurturing young talent through holistic and student-centred learning approaches. We continuously emphasise academic excellence, leadership development, creativity, and innovation in order to provide students with a meaningful and engaging educational experience.

One of the most significant achievements of the centre has been the remarkable growth of the STEM Foundation Programme. Beginning with only 60 students in 2018, the programme is projected to reach approximately 600 students for the 2026/2027 intake. This steady increase reflects growing public confidence in the quality of the programme, the dedication of our academic staff, and the university’s commitment to strengthening STEM education.

At the STEM Foundation Centre, we also actively extend our role beyond the classroom through various STEM outreach initiatives involving schools and local communities. Through programmes such as STEM On Wheels, educational carnivals, hands-on workshops, and community-based science activities, we strive to create greater awareness and interest in STEM education among younger generations.

The centre has also strengthened its position through collaborations with universities, government agencies, and industry partners. These strategic partnerships have enabled us to enhance curriculum development, support innovation initiatives, and ensure that our educational approaches remain relevant to current industry and global needs.

My experience as Chairperson of Majlis Asasi Malaysia from 2022 to 2025 further reinforced the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing foundation education nationwide. Through these engagements, the STEM Foundation Centre has benefited from broader academic networking, curriculum enhancement initiatives, and opportunities involving student development and internationalisation.

Today, the STEM Foundation Centre continues to move forward as a dynamic academic platform dedicated to shaping the next generation of STEM talent. Through continuous innovation, strategic collaboration, and a strong commitment to student development, we remain focused on strengthening foundation education while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of STEM education at both national and international levels.