BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA & NOOR SYAHHIRA HADY
THE Sarawak government will continue to invest heavily in education as Sarawak needs to develop a pool of world- class talents that will become the foundation of the state’s future.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that education was critical as it helped Sarawakian children to reach their full potential.
As such, the state government is implementing various initiatives such as the teaching of Science and Mathematics in the English Language (Dual Language Programme), establishment of learning institutions and resource centres, continuous professional development and providing educational assistance programmes.
“Sarawak is the only state to fully implement the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English.
“We have taken this bold step to improve the standard of English and provide a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to enable our students to compete in the global arena.
“Since 2019, the state government has spent more than RM13mil to ensure the success of this programme. In 2023, a sum of RM1mil will be provided for this programme,” he said when tabling the Supply (2023) Bill, 2022 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on yesterday (Nov 21).
On the establishment of learning institutions and resource centres, he said a sum of RM28mil would be set aside for the implementation of various projects in 2023.
Among those are the establishment of new SeDidik preschools throughout the state mainly to cater to children from low-income families with an allocation of RM20mil; advanced Automotive Training Centre with an allocation of RM7mil and the establishment of village libraries in small towns with an allocation of RM1mil.
“I am pleased to inform that in April this year we opened our first state-owned international school in Kuching. In 2023, RM8mil will be provided to cover the operating expenses of this school.
“The second international school located at Mile 12, Jalan Kuching-Serian costing about RM58mil funded under Alternative Funding is nearing completion. It is expected to start operations in 2024.
“The other three international schools located in Sibu, Miri and Bintulu will follow suit from 2025 onwards.”
Abang Johari stated that the state government would continue the upskilling and reskilling of teachers and school leaders in order to update them with the latest education content and technology in teaching.
Through the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, he said approximately RM3mil was allocated for this purpose in 2023, adding that an additional sum of RM1.3mil would be provided to cultivate ICT know-how among teachers and students.
On educational assistance programmes, he assured that the state government would also continue to provide allocation for various education assistance programmes.
“Among others, a RM40mil operating grant for Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs); RM30mil as assistance for repayment of PTPTN loan for Sarawakian graduates who have repaid 30 per cent and above of their PTPTN loan, through the provision of 30 per cent loan repayment discount as incentive for settlement of outstanding loan balance.
“To date, this incentive has benefitted 11,095 Sarawakian graduates; RM20mil for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for operations of SeDidik, which now has 98 Tadika and Taska; RM15mil annual grant to 3,000 early childhood care institutions, which will benefit over 80,000 children in Sarawak.
“Besides that, RM13.7mil for scholarship and loan for students; RM10mil for free tuition programme; and RM1.95mil for One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC) Sarawak to ensure children with disabilities are given equal rights to education.”
