STEM Talk With Leaders – Abhishek Singh
STEM Talk with Leaders is our distinguished program where we engage with major industry leaders and pioneers, industry leaders, experts, educators, and students to discuss various aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. It is a fruitful session which includes several questions from curious STEM enthusiasts on how STEM skills play out in real world situations.
About the Speaker: Mr Abhishek Singh
Mr Abhishek Singh is the Category Head at Moshi Moshi – The Communication Company and a pioneer of promoting STEM education in the corporate realm. Mr Singh believes in the power of experiential learning. He emphasizes the importance of problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity in the learning process, all of which are integral components of STEM education. Through talks, seminars, and workshops, he will never hold back to inspire students and educators to embrace STEM subjects as tools for shaping the future.
Highlights from the interview
Q1: What has been capturing your attention recently in terms of tinkering?
Ans: I’ve been exploring a couple of things. One aspect that has grabbed my interest is delving into data. If we look at the statistics, in 2011, about 2.1% of India’s population, roughly 2.68 crore people, were identified as disabled. Fast forward to 2022, and that number had risen to 13.4 million. I’ve been pondering whether there are innovative solutions that can be developed to assist these individuals, and how we can contribute meaningfully
Q2: How crucial do you think hands-on training is for school students?
Ans: The emphasis on theoretical learning during our school days was always stressed. However, when we entered the professional world, practical knowledge turned out to be equally important. We had to learn through trial and error, and this iterative process was invaluable. Having worked closely with higher education students in recent years, I’ve noticed gaps in their foundational understanding. Therefore, I firmly believe that hands-on learning is essential for school students. A solid foundation and practical experience are key attributes for success in any profession.
Q3: Can you explain how STEM education contributes to nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset among students?
Ans: STEM education and entrepreneurship are inherently connected, sharing several crucial attributes:
- Adaptability: STEM encourages trying multiple approaches to reach solutions, fostering adaptability.
- Persistence and Openness: Successful entrepreneurs possess confidence and belief in their work, coupled with a willingness to consider other perspectives.
- Data-Driven: Both STEM and entrepreneurship require factual and data-driven decision-making.
- Creativity: Entrepreneurship thrives on creativity; STEM instills innovative thinking.
- Team Player: Collaboration is vital in both fields. Think of innovators like the airplane inventor and the parachute inventor, who had unique approaches but shared the attribute of innovation.
Q4: What hobby of yours has contributed to enhancing your problem-solving abilities?
Ans: Reading autobiographies is a hobby I’ve developed, which has significantly improved my problem-solving skills. There’s a quote from “Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert that resonates with me: “I’ve come to believe in something called the physics of quests.” Every action tells a story, and if you delve deep enough, you’ll uncover the underlying principles that lead to solutions. A couple of must-read autobiographies for STEM students and innovators are “The Wings of Fire” and “Tuesdays with Morrie.”
Q5: What do you consider the most essential attribute of an effective team player?
Ans: The quintessential attribute of a strong team player is being an excellent listener. It’s crucial to differentiate between simply hearing and genuinely understanding and considering others’ perspectives and ideas. Effective teamwork hinges on this skill.
Brief of the interview
In the insightful conversation with Mr. Abhishek Singh, a visionary leader and advocate for STEM education, a holistic perspective on innovation, education, and teamwork emerged. Delving into data-driven tinkering, Mr. Singh highlighted the power of innovation to address societal challenges. His emphasis on hands-on learning underscored its pivotal role in nurturing well-rounded professionals.
The seamless blend of STEM education and entrepreneurship he described illuminated the shared attributes of adaptability, persistence, data-driven decision-making, creativity, and collaboration. Mr. Singh’s affinity for reading autobiographies showcased his problem-solving approach, emphasizing the significance of delving into the stories behind actions.
Most notably, his articulation of the quintessential attribute of a successful team player, the art of listening, resonated profoundly. By understanding and embracing diverse perspectives, effective teamwork thrives—a principle beautifully illustrated by Mr. Singh’s insights.
As we conclude this enlightening dialogue, Mr. Abhishek Singh’s thoughtful viewpoints remind us that innovation, education, and collaboration form the cornerstones of a transformative future, inspiring STEM enthusiasts and aspiring innovators alike.
