Newspaper can help spur interest in science and technology

I agree that social media might be one way to get people to be more acquainted with science and technology issues ("Get public to start 'liking' science"; Nov 20).

We live in a modern era and our lives are enriched by science and technology.

However, most of us would not know how many devices - such as television sets, refrigerators and microwave ovens - work.

Most people are not motivated enough to read up more on subjects such as physics, chemistry or even astronomy after leaving school.

Perhaps there is this mistaken mindset that these topics are not relevant to the people's everyday work duties and, thus, their lives.

However, it is fortunate that local newspapers such as The Straits Times are helping readers keep abreast of the latest scientific research findings and brainwaves with their coverage.

I read with interest the pros and cons of an ingenious way to solve the problem of global warming ("Shivers over growing plankton to cool earth"; Oct 23), which could encourage others to think out of the box.

Articles such as "Two share Nobel Prize for Physics" (Oct 7) help keep people informed of the important scientific breakthroughs that could change their perspective of the universe forever.

The leading newspapers here could consider adding either a print or online page devoted entirely to the discussion of Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects. The pages could have readers writing in to express their views and scientists and professionals responding and explaining matters in ways that a layman can understand.

Also, holding more writing competitions such as the recent Asian Scientist Writing Prize ("Win up to $8,000 in science writing competition"; April 1), could help boost people's interest in learning how science and technology can improve their daily lives. Such competitions can also help the people to explore ways to express their ideas more creatively.

Lee Kay Yan (Miss)

This article was first published on December 7, 2015.
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