THE first state-owned international school in Sarawak has entered its second year of operation at Petra Jaya with 178 students.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the second international school located at Mile 12, Kuching-Serian Road, is scheduled to be completed at the end of this year for full operation thereafter.
When tabling the State Budget at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting here Monday, he said, a sum of RM16 million will be provided to cover the operational costs of these schools.
In addition, the Sarawak government will set aside an allocation of RM100 million for the upgrading of Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Sageng and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Gedong in Simunjan, of which RM28 million will be allocated next year.
Work on these schools is scheduled to begin in 2024 with completion expected within two years.
Abang Johari, who is also the Minister for Finance and New Economy said Sarawak is the only state that has fully implemented the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English under the Dual Language Programme Sarawak.
“We will continue to improve the standard of English while providing a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education for our students. Thus, RM1.2 million is allocated to continue this programme next year,” he said.
The proposed budget will provide approximately RM1 million for the upskilling and reskilling of non-option teachers in English, Mathematics, and Science. In addition, RM1.3 million will be allocated towards upskilling teachers on ICT know-how to achieve the Advanced Level of using Raspberry Pi devices in their schools.
Meanwhile, a RM40 million operating grant will be provided in 2024 to the Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs) for them to provide industry-based competency training programmes, with the majority being internationally certified by leading industry players in technology areas.
