The Transformation from STEM to STREAM Education at Engineering and Technology Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

The scope of STEM based academic programs such as engineering and technology education should be widened to include Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STREAM) to enable future STEM graduates to be able to respond to the rapid changes of IR 4.0 and be ready for STEM based professions of the 21st century. A STREAM based curriculum for STEM focused programs will promote 21st century skills including collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. STREAM has been gaining much popularity globally, given its ability to provide opportunities for learners to develop 21st century skills and the 4Cs necessary to strive in the future workplace. In this paper, we provide a succinct review of current debates surrounding this issue, drawing upon examples from across the globe, in Malaysia and Vietnam.