BY JAMES WONG & NEVILLE TIMOTHY SANDERS
KUCHING: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus is now offering Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
The programme was created in line with the Sarawak government’s goal to ensure all nursery and preschool teachers have the necessary qualifications in early childhood education.
Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the diploma is in line with the current focus to improve early childhood education in Sarawak.
“To be able to produce quality education for our preschool children, we need teachers to be properly trained and qualified in terms of knowledge and skills.
“We are also excited for what Swinburne has to offer in terms of curriculum, and the ministry will also contribute suggestions on what should be incorporated into the programme.
“And we have our target, which is by 2024 all SEDIDIK teachers in nurseries or kindergartens, would have at least diploma in early childhood education,” she said during a courtesy call by Swinburne staff at Baitul Makmur II building today.
Meanwhile, pro vice-chancellor (PVC) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Swinburne Sarawak Ir Prof Lau Hieng Ho said the diploma has received the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Higher Education.
“It is currently open for registration for the upcoming intake in September, and we are looking forward to the first batch of students coming through.
“We need a lot of talent in this area, and we can see that Yayasan Sarawak is emphasising quality education.
“In addition, diploma graduates can also proceed to obtain the Bachelor of Early Education, and those interested can also apply for scholarships, loans or other forms of financial aid from Yayasan Sarawak,” he said.
He said Swinburne will heed the minister’s proposal of exploring block teachings and weekend courses to cater to the needs of full-time staff who wish to pursue the diploma programme.
Also present were Dean of Faculty of Business (Design and Arts) Prof Brian Wong Kee Mun, director of Business Development and Liaison James Ho Kok Chai, and director of Centre for Education Research Associate Prof Hugh John Leong Yik Kuan.
