TikTok Turns Toward Teaching: STEM Feed Launched in Bangladesh
At a time when TikTok faces criticism for promoting addiction among youth, spreading objectionable content, and adversely impacting mental health and cultural values, Bangladesh has introduced STEM education on the platform. The initiative aims to promote content on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while expanding educational access for underprivileged and indigenous students—particularly those in remote areas.
The announcement came at a press conference held on Monday, September 6, at Hotel Intercontinental in Dhaka, marking the official launch of TikTok STEM Feed. The event was inaugurated by cultural advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, who urged TikTok to collaborate with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
“Our art institutions are no longer functioning effectively. They exist in name only,” Farooki said. “Few new artists are emerging through traditional art education. My team is working both online and offline to revive it. Instead of a single physical class, we are trying to create week-long online engagements. In this regard, TikTok can collaborate with Shilpakala.”
He added, “Bangladeshi youth are curious and creative. If we can channel this creativity through a safe and reliable medium, problem-solving and innovation will flourish. Tools like TikTok’s STEM Feed can make learning engaging and help deliver quality education in local languages.”
Digital Learning Gets a Boost
Ayman Sadiq, co-founder of Ten Minute School, said new content will be introduced on their TikTok account under the initiative. “This project opens new doors for digital learning. We were already on TikTok, but with STEM Feed, we’ll now be more focused,” he stated.
Ferdous Mottakin, TikTok’s Head of Public Policy and Government Relations for South Asia, remarked, “The STEM Feed initiative will make education in Bangladesh more accessible, engaging, and safer. Working with parents, teachers, and policymakers, we aim to ensure that this platform supports the nation’s goals of digital inclusion and youth empowerment.”
When asked about content moderation, Mottakin explained that both third-party partners and TikTok’s in-house teams are actively monitoring content. “We’re continuously improving content quality every day,” he said.
TikTok Launches STEM Feed for Educational Content
TikTok has launched STEM Feed in Bangladesh—a dedicated platform for sharing educational videos on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The initiative, jointly implemented with the Government of Bangladesh, aims to expand access to digital learning for young people nationwide. Through the platform, students can easily create, share, and learn from science-based content, while educational institutions can enhance their digital learning practices.
Melissa Pauline, TikTok’s Regional Head of Policy, said, “If we can harness the curiosity and creativity of Bangladeshi youth through digital education, it can transform the learning landscape. TikTok wants learning to be fun and accessible to everyone.” She added that this initiative is part of TikTok’s broader effort to promote digital education across South Asia.
#STEMTok: Learning Through Short Videos
TikTok announced that users can now create STEM-related content using the hashtag #STEMTok. Verified and approved videos will appear on the STEM Feed, allowing students to benefit from reliable, high-quality educational materials. Several universities, schools, and tech institutes in Bangladesh are already participating in the program. Workshops for teachers and students will train them on how to share knowledge effectively through short videos.
Safety Features and Digital Responsibility
To ensure user safety, TikTok has introduced new features such as the Family Pairing Feature, Safe Search Mode, and a Child-Safe Recommendation System. According to the platform, these measures aim to foster responsible content creation and protect young users.
Government Collaboration and Future Vision
Aligned with the country’s Digital Bangladesh vision, government officials have expressed their support for the initiative. “Digital education is the need of the hour,” said an ICT Division official. “If platforms like TikTok responsibly invest in educational content, it can bring positive transformation to Bangladesh’s education system.”
Through STEM Feed, students will not only have new opportunities to learn but also to showcase their innovative ideas and research through creative videos. Experts believe this initiative will empower the next generation of Bangladeshis to compete more confidently in the global technology arena.
