More than a quarter of Dubai’s schoolchildren prefer careers in science, according to new research announced today (April 15) to coincide with the opening of a science show.

The fourth edition of the Sony Science Show, targeting grade 4 students from Dubai schools, opened today and will run from May 5 to 7 at the Knowledge Village auditorium. Sony Gulf is organising the shows in association with the Dubai School Agency, a unit of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

A poll of the Emirate’s schoolchildren commissioned by Sony, revealed that as many as 26.8 per cent  have career ambitions in science, compared to less than one-in-ten (6.71 per cent) who want to be bankers or pilots.

The medical profession appears to have retained its traditional lustre as a career choice for Dubai’s youngsters with 21.05 per cent saying they would like to be doctors when they grow up.

Significantly, the survey, which polled 1,862 students from 18 schools in Dubai, found that science also topped the ‘favourite school subject’ rankings with the support of 31 per cent of the respondents.

Mathematics came in a distant second with 21 per cent of the votes, while English and Social Sciences trailed at third and fourth positions with 18 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.

“It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Science is such a popular subject in Dubai’s schools in light of the fact that it is, by its very nature, a fascinating subject that engages young imaginations,” said Taha Ahmed Alhamri, acting director, administrative services unit, Dubai KHDA.

“It is also a very positive sign that schools are actively nurturing young minds in a manner that fosters a healthy curiosity in the sciences, which is very much in keeping with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Vice-President, and Ruler of Dubai.,” he added.

Osamu Miura, managing director, Sony Gulf, said: “It is heartening to see that Dubai’s school children have embraced science with so much enthusiasm. While we saw rooms full of fascinated young children at the previous three editions of the Sony Science Show and expect this year’s to be as successful, we commissioned this survey in an attempt to gauge just how popular science really is.”

“As a company Sony is committed to encouraging and facilitating scientific literacy, not only in this region but in other parts of the world, where we have similar programmes,” he added.

“This year’s Sony Science Show, as with previous years, will be hosted by science entertainer Soichi Nishimura who will present a series of experiments in a fun, interactive manner that is designed to stir their imaginations and encourage their love of science.” – TradeArabia News Service