Physicist MP To Champion State’s STEM Education

VIC Premier

The educational future of students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is in good hands, with the appointment of a Victorian Government ambassador for STEM education.

Minister for Education James Merlino today announced the appointment of South East Metropolitan MP Dr Tien Kieu as the Government’s STEM Education Ambassador.

Along with his role as a Member of the Legislative Council, Dr Kieu is a respected physicist and Adjunct Professor at the Swinburne University of Technology and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Physics.

Dr Kieu’s appointment is part of the Victorian Government’s Education State reforms, which include a strong commitment to STEM education and pathways.

The role will see Dr Kieu champion ways to improve STEM opportunities and outcomes for all Victorian students. With a focus on connections between schools and industries, key STEM initiatives and the investment of specialist education facilities.

STEM learning takes in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and starts in early childhood, as well as being taught in all school year levels from Prep through to VCE, VCAL and VET.

It is designed to help deliver improved learnings and outcomes in the STEM fields, with a focus on preparing Victorian students for the jobs of tomorrow.

The Victorian Government is making record investment into STEM disciplines including $128 million in 10 new Tech Schools across the state.

The $17.8 million Secondary Mathematics and Science Initiative (SMSI) will fully fund 272 teachers to become qualified maths or science classroom teachers by the start of 2022, while $33 million has been allocated in 2019-20 to train 200 primary school teachers to become specialists in maths and science as part of the Primary Mathematics and Science Specialist (PMSS) initiative.

As stated by Minster for Education James Merlino

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Kieu to the role of STEM Education Ambassador and look forward to him sharing his experience and expertise to help us continue to strengthen STEM education in Victoria.”

As stated by the Member for South Eastern Metropolitan Tien Kieu

“I am excited to continue my lifelong advocacy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics as an Ambassador for STEM. I look forward to providing advice and support to the Victorian Department of Education regarding achievement of STEM goals utilising my experience and passion for the field.”

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