KUCHING: All 1,265 primary schools throughout Sarawak will be equipped with computer labs with the state government allocating RM12 million for the purpose for a period of three years.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was to support the federal government’s emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
“With a good understanding of these technical subjects, our students will be able to face the modern world and the digital economy,” he said when launching the project for the construction of SK Merpati Jepang’s new administrative building and upgrading of its academic building here today.
He said computer and technology skills needed to be instilled at a young age through the implementation of computer labs in primary schools so that the younger generation would have a sturdy foundation in this regard.
“These days, everything is computer based in this digital world. Many businesses are now on the online platform, which is called e-commerce,” he said, adding that even the older generation was catching up on the use of computers and technology.
Abang Johari recalled that when the matter of teaching Mathematics and Science in English in primary schools was raised by the previous federal government, Sarawak was the only state that received the proposal.
“So we accepted and we allocated RM10 million to train our teachers to teach Mathematics and Science in English and also to enhance our teachers’ expertise in the English language,” he said.
With this implementation, he said Sarawak’s children would be able to learn in a more competitive system.
“That is why we developed our residential international schools where excellent students can be sent to compete among each other,” he explained.
Abang Johari added that the educational standard would be high and these students would be studying from an international syllabus.
“Then our children will emerge as international champions, not just village champions,” he said.
Also present were Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong; Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs and Kuching North City Commission) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi; Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Satok deputy chairman Datuk Ibrahim Baki; SK Merpati Jepang’s Parent Teacher Association president Senator Zaiedi Suhaili, and other representatives.
