SIBU: Universities in the state have been urged to hire more international experts to set up research-led English Language teaching centres.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg made the call yesterday at the Sarawak English Language Education Symposium here.
“The state government is committed to developing teachers’ competence and skills in order to make Sarawak a learning hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and English. We view teachers not just as teachers but also as partners and researchers,” he said in his speech read by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
“It is our goal is to nurture and propagate a creative and innovative culture in Sarawak, especially among school children, in line with the Talent Development Strategy of the state’s Digital Economy Blueprint,” he added.
Abang Johari said,” When people think about Sarawak, they will think about how to teach English to a multiracial community, how to manage low resources and still deliver quality lessons and how to empower youths in English language so they can be global players.
“Through this symposium, English teachers will be able to get new insights, practices and experiences in teaching and learning process of English language.
“Sarawak is a unique place with many indigenous groups and therefore provides a unique context for research. This symposium is an example of a platform we can use to invite collaboration from overseas.”
Abang Johari also stressed the importance of embracing Industry 4.0 or risk being left behind and becoming irrelevant.
“Based on what famous theoretical physicist and futurist Michio Kaku said, the state has to prepare its people, its future workforce, and future leaders for Industry 4.0 as it could have a major impact on foreign direct investment (FDI) into Sarawak.
“Industry 4.0 revolutionises the landscape of the workforce in the state. It may require fewer workers to carry out the work; manufacturing automation will utilise robots, and thus, humans will become redundant and eventually be replaced,” he said.
Michi said this in his speech on “The World in 2030” at the International Digital Economy Conference organised in Kuching last July.
“He said as Industry 5.0 and subsequent developments in technology and industries would replace Industry 4.0, the most important thing in education is to inculcate the need to learn and be curious and creative,” said the chief minister.
