Realizing Industry 4.0 Through STEM Education: But Why STEM Is Not Preferred?

Abstract

Since the 1760s, industrialization of the world has gone through four revolutions where the 4th revolution has expeditiously taken over from the traditional practices. The Industry 4.0 that embraces the computerization in smart factories requires improved capacities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematical (STEM) fields. Nevertheless, the present circumstances in Malaysia demonstrate that the numbers of youth who decide to follow STEM routes for tertiary education are far less encouraging. Thus, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting university students’ decisions. Data used in this study was obtained from a survey of 102 Diploma in Accountancy students from one of the public universities in Malaysia, who were selected using purposive sampling method. This study employed the descriptive statistical method, principal component analysis (PCA) and multiple regressions analysis. The PCA on the questionnaire measurement items yielded factors accounting for 68.22 per cent of the total variance. In the multiple regression model, low morale attitude, learning experience and return on investment explained 53 per cent of the total variance of perception. This study concludes that the roles of national workforce that consists of education system, culture, and government must be strengthened to enhance STEM education system in Malaysia.