HEC emphasises role of science education in economic development

Experts emphasise promotion of inquiry-based science education

ISLAMABAD: Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmad on Monday underlined that an effective science education during early school years is a stepping stone to produce quality higher education, which
is vital to achieving sustainable economic development in Pakistan.

He stated this while addressing "The International Forum on Science Education which was held in conjunction with the 2018 meeting of InterAcademic Partnership on Science Education Programmes (IAP SEP)".

The forum was themed 'Quality Science Education at Schools- A Must for Quality Higher Education and Economic Development' was jointly organised in Islamabad by HEC, ECO Science Foundation, Pakistan Academy of Sciences and
Alif Ailaan. Dr Ahmed, further said that science, technology and innovation are critical inputs for sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation.

He emphasised the role of HEC in promoting Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in Pakistan.

He urged the participants and stakeholders to use this Forum as a platform to combine strengths to ensure and promote quality science education at school levels, which would be critical input
to quality higher education in Pakistan.

"We can compete with the global economy only if we promote and produce qualified human resource. A STEM workforce is required to counter the global challenges of water, climate change, energy and food security for future generations,” he added.

The Chairman urged the Muslim countries to get united and work collectively to regain the prestige the Muslims used to enjoy in their golden era being leaders in science.

"The Muslims mindset needs to be woken to the potential of our youth, as youth are the main powerhouse of the Muslim world," he emphasised.

He highlighted that outcome based education must be given more significance so as to create an impact on humanity and society. He urged the world nations to focus their directions towards the development of science for the evolution of our education system. Global Council InterAcademic Partnership on Science Education Programme, Chair, Dato Lee Yee Cheong was the keynote speaker

Delivering his keynote speech on "Digital Revolution, Development Revolution, Science Education and Science Literacy," Dato Lee Yee Cheong highlighted the significance and emerging role of digital technology in shaping the ongoing digital revolution around the globe, particularly in the developing world.

He emphasised the importance of adopting the STEM subjects for children to ensure the human resources necessary for the digital revolution and to equip the world with a rational and perceptive population which would take the steps required to achieve global peace, harmony and prosperity.

He also emphasised promotion of Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) in the region to prepare next generations to respond to the global challenges in the future. IBSE is an educational technique intended to inspire students by allowing them to design and conduct their own scientific investigations.

Dr Manzoor Hussain Soomro said the forum was an ideal space to generate the debate on science education in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 10^th, 2018.