Nurturing next generation trailblazers

Nurturing next generation trailblazers

Rolls-Royce STEM ambassadors show it is possible to ignite the passion for STEM to all by virtual means.

Automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and real-time data - the Industrial Revolution 4.0 characterised by technology and the fusing of physical, digital and biological worlds is upon us. Developing new technologies and capabilities are essential to a strong future. The talent that we must advance should not only focus on hard technological expertise, but also on critical soft skills that can spur further innovation and facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas across diverse teams.

STEM skills and talent development are critical for the economic growth and progress of the region. In recent years, education has put a special focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, also known as STEM. Specific to Singapore, the Ministry of Education has strongly supported STEM education and alongside its partners introduced a range of programmes that expose students as early as preschool level.

Making a positive impact

Making a positive impact

Professionals in the STEM field are also uniquely positioned to instil knowledge into the students and to make the subject accessible to many. One avenue that makes a big impact is when people volunteer.

“It is encouraging to see schools promoting subjects beyond the four walls of the classrooms and inviting industry experts to take over the lessons. Students are naturally inquisitive,” said Najib Mohamed Salleh, Repair Engineering.

As stewards of the profession, Rolls-Royce is committed to advancing STEM among the next generation scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians for the future benefit of our business, industries and economy. Making sure our impact is as positive, diverse and as wide-reaching as possible is important. The more we can show students the purpose of STEM learning, the more opportunities they will have to succeed and find their own passion.

“Opportunities to engage students on a topic we are passionate about personally, as well as professionally, is always fulfilling. The hope is you can get these young people interested in STEM, contribute to their knowledge, and help them achieve fulfilment in their career and lives through STEM. Having the chance to spark something like that in someone is as exciting as it is rewarding,” said Alastair Sim, Account Manager, Civil Aerospace, Customers – Asia Pacific.

Contributing to the development of the local sector

Contributing to the development of the local sector

Our STEM ambassadors in Singapore have been actively contributing to the development of the industry by supporting schools and organisations with various educational and community events. For 2021, to date, an average of one STEM activity every two months was organised. We have extended over 55 hours and reached more than 2,000 people from various academic levels and age groups. These are added to the Rolls-Royce charitable contributions record and towards achieving our global STEM targets of inspiring 25 million people by 2030.

The low-carbon and net zero technology activities and case studies that we tailor for students include presentations, interactive discussions, innovative projects as well as facility visits. Our objective is to connect classroom learning with real projects and progress being on this important topic in the outside world. The effort and positive impact that our STEM ambassadors make also exemplify that it is possible to do good, even in a tough time.

“You are inspiring a new generation of students who will one day excel in high-technology jobs. And when you get out and volunteer to impart your knowledge to others, you end up educating yourself. As someone who has been actively participating in STEM volunteering activities throughout the years, I have realised volunteering does not take much - start from where you are and do what you can,” said Seakyin Chong, Lifecycle Engineer.

STEM do not just power our products; they power the world. An education in STEM prepares students for many emerging jobs and those that do not even exist yet. The meaningful role that we play through our contributions can help ignite and fuel interest among students in the sector, and together, build an innovative and knowledge-driven society.