Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is set to augment funding for the upcoming ASEAN Islamic Science Camp (AISC) to broaden the program and enhance student involvement, as announced by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek. This move underscores the ministry's dedication to fostering young talent through international initiatives that highlight the importance of science, technology, and innovation.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Fadhlina emphasized the significance of these students as vital national assets, asserting that the increased funding will facilitate greater student participation and improve planning. "The additional allocation will help increase student participation and strengthen planning so AISC can become one of the country's key educational programmes," she remarked during the closing ceremony of AISC 2026.

Strengthening education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) continues to be a national priority, Fadhlina added. She advocated for comprehensive efforts to cultivate a culture of STEM and innovation among students, ensuring a balanced educational approach that combines scientific learning with character development and humanitarian values.

The AISC 2026, a week-long event commencing on July 17, brought together 165 students aged 13 to 16 from 22 schools and educational institutions. The camp, themed "Empowering Young Muslim Scientists for a Sustainable Future," served as an experiential learning platform integrating naqli knowledge (the Quran and Hadith) with aqli knowledge (rational thought) in science, technology, and innovation.

The program emphasized the development of scientific skills, halal science applications, sustainability, research, and innovation among gifted and talented students, aiming to equip them for future challenges.