NEWS: On careers in science, maths

The Star

By ANTHONY CHEW

A group of secondary school students was thrilled as they learned about molecular genetics and what DNA was for the first time from a facilitator in a laboratory.

Another group paid rapt attention as a facilitator showed how to explore mathematics concepts and use mathematics to solve problems. A third group listened to another facilitator on how wastewater was treated and what students could do to keep water clean.

They were among the all female 250 Form Two students from 10 secondary schools, mainly in rural areas in Penang, attending the half-day Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) Conference 2007 at Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, recently.

Ten local women professionals in science, technology and mathematics conducted the fun and interactive workshops and shared their career experiences with the students.

Look at this:A facilitor showing DNA variation to the students.

Step by step:Penang Seagate IT engineer Chan Poh Ling teaching the students how to create their own website.

EYH is to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields.

The conference, organised and sponsored by Penang Seagate, was supported by Lam Wah Ee Hospital and BP Health Group.

"This conference is the first of its kind in Malaysia and is line with the government's plan for Vision 2020," said Jamal Othman, head of curriculum unit of Penang Education Department.

"We are glad to have the involvement of a multi-national corporation (MNC) to motivate our young women, especially those from the rural areas, to consider careers in science and mathematics," he added.

USM School of Social Science deputy dean Dr Reevany Bustami said the university was pleased to co-host the event and provide women scientists as workshop facilitators.

"EYH is an exciting programme and it is in line with our mission of providing innovative learning programmes," he said.

Penang Seagate Industries (M) Sdn Bhd vice-president Oh Kean Cheong said the programme was special because there were hands-on activities.

"It is critical to our success to maintain and build a diverse employee population, hence our organisation hires many women for key decision-making posts," he added.

The participating schools were SMK Chung Hwa Confucian, SMK Bakti Tasek Gelugor, SMK Guar Perahu, SMK Permatang Pasir, SMK Seri Balik Pulau, SMJK Tasek, SMK Simpang Empat, SMK Penanti, SMK Kampong Selamat and SMK Teluk Bahang.

EYH Conference was started in the United States in 1974 by a group of women scientists.