Dr. Connie Shin @ Connie Cassy Ompok is an educator and a Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) auditor specializing in early childhood education. She earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. Currently, she serves as the head of the Rural Education Research Unit at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
Before transitioning to higher education, Dr. Connie began her career as an early childhood education teacher. She later moved to the Teacher Training Institute and Universiti Malaysia Sabah, where she played a key role in establishing the Early Childhood Education Programme.
Her primary research interests include educational management, administration & leadership, teaching and learning, STEM education in early childhood education, as well as intervention design and evaluation. Her research and educational programs have been transformed through innovation, earning her multiple accolades. Dr. Connie’s research scope is broad, focusing on developing holistic, practical, creative, and innovative solutions. Her work has also been recognized with prestigious awards, including special awards and Gold Awards in innovation competitions such as PEREKA, the Carnival of Research and Innovation (CRI), and the Malaysia Technology Expo.
As Malaysia moves towards Industrial Revolution 4.0, it is crucial to develop a competent workforce to maintain the nation's global competitiveness. A versatile talent pool with problem-solving abilities, innovation, and higher-order thinking skills serves as a fundamental driver of the country's innovative potential. Strengthening the STEM program at all educational levels is key to cultivating such a workforce. Therefore, prioritizing STEM education and careers in the national agenda is essential. Every decision should integrate STEM knowledge to assess its implications, and research and strategic planning must be comprehensive to shape a workforce well-equipped with STEM expertise.
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UMS Official Website—UMS Clock Tower: A Great Opportunity for Young Engineers
Dr. Connie channels her enthusiasm and commitment to inspire young people to engage with STEM subjects through the Mentor-Mentee STEM project. Since 2018, she has collaborated with the National STEM Movement on the STEM Mentor-Mentee Award, successfully leading six projects for competitions and showcases.
She has demonstrated her ability to engage across cultures, particularly through her work with students in the Summer Camp Early Childhood Education program. This initiative is designed to provide insights into both cultural exchange and early childhood education in Japan. Looking ahead, she plans to develop a humanitarian module that actively involves parents in the process.

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https://www.ums.edu.my/v5/component/content/category/93-featured
Exploring Japanese Early Childhood Education: Lessons from an Educational Visit

Professor Madya Dr. Connie Shin @ Connie Cassy Ompok holds Doktor Falsafah (Ph.D) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah , among other qualifications, and has established themselves as a respected expert in their field.