KUCHING: Aided Chinese primary schools in Sarawak serve as a melting pot for the multiracial students, providing an inclusive education environment.
Association of Boards of Management for Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Divisions president Datuk Jonathan Chai said last year saw 38 per cent of students enrolled in these schools throughout Sarawak being non-Chinese or Bumiputera — a figure well above the national average of 20 per cent.
This, he said, serves as an important platform to preserve and uphold the unity and racial harmony which Sarawak should not take for granted.
“Over the years, we have witnessed a steady increase in Bumiputra students enrolling in Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (SJK) (C) Chung Hua in Sarawak.
“As such, SJK (C) Chung Hua is no longer a Chinese school per se, but more like a community school.
“To help Bumiputera students overcome the problems and challenges in studying Mandarin, we undertook a research project and field study last year in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) to look for strategies. We will implement some of the recommendations as proposed,” he said.
He said this in his address during the 40th anniversary dinner of the Association of Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools in Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Divisions at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching last night (Oct 1).
To complement the efforts of the Sarawak government in utilising technological advancements, Chai said they have begun introducing and installing smart classrooms in the association’s member schools.
Under the programme, a total of 62 smart classrooms have been installed in 28 schools at a total cost of approximately RM1 million with priority given to schools in rural areas where resources are severely lacking.
“We hope to bridge the gap in the standard of education between urban and rural areas.
“We are delighted to learn that the Sarawak government will begin channelling funding through the Special Unit for Aided Chinese Primary Schools to facilitate the installation of smart classrooms in SJK Chung Hua throughout Sarawak on a staggered basis.
“Such facilities will enhance the quality and effectiveness of both teaching and learning,” he added.
Additionally, Chai urged the Sarawak government to consider providing free laptops or tablets to students in primary and secondary schools, noting that RM15 million has been allocated to supply free laptops to students in public and private higher learning institutions.
He emphasised the importance of students being open to the latest teaching technologies to remain competitive and relevant in today’s educational landscape.
“We hope that we would further elevate and upgrade to a more advanced level that every student would be provided with a laptop or tablet to enjoy a more interactive learning process in class.
“Our goal is noble and simple. We want every anak Sarawak to have access and harness the innovation and power of the latest technology and electronic devices.
“As they become proficient, they will be able to use these devices to enhance knowledge, acquire advanced skills and gain exposure to innovative ideas,” he said.
