KUCHING: Educators are urged to strive to navigate the waves of modernisation and digitalisation by adapting and applying the latest and most suitable teaching and learning techniques.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the importance of teachers is undeniable, and their role remains vital even in today’s digital era, where Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is widespread.
“Pupils still depend on their teachers’ creativity and efforts to nurture their success,” he said.
He said this in his text-of-speech read by Chief Political Secretary to the Premier Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman during the opening ceremony of Padawan District Education Office (PPD) Padawan’s STEM Carnival held at Borneo Cultures Museum here on Saturday.
Dr Sim, therefore, hoped that every school leader would play their role in spearheading the implementation of digital education in their schools or respective organisations.
“Cultivate innovation and digital creativity not only in classroom teaching and learning but also within the larger ecosystem of your organisations.
“Provide support and encouragement to our community of teachers so that they are motivated to constantly explore the digital world in education to enrich the learning experience of our students,” he said.
He also said empowering the younger generation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is key to developing adaptive talents in Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), which will propel the nation towards achieving high-tech status by 2030.
“One of the issues and challenges in STEM education is that the upper secondary enrolment rate in STEM has not reached the target of the 60:40 policy, standing at only 48.73 per cent at the national level.
“This data is very concerning, as the need for highly skilled and professional workers by 2030 requires our urgent attention,” he said.
In line with the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and its aspiration of making Sarawak a highly developed and competitive state by 2030, the Sarawak state government is highly committed and fully supportive of education programmes and activities across the state.
“Indeed, STEM offers numerous future job opportunities and can significantly advance Sarawak’s development, especially in renewable energy projects (SCORE), the digital economy and new economy, and green energy technology,” he said.
Dr Sim also praised that the STEM Carnival is crucial in nurturing our pupils’ talents in STEM fields to support the government’s aspiration in providing skilled labour for the country’s development and efforts in facing the challenges of the Fifth Industrial Revolution (IR 5.0).
“Programmes such as this will undoubtedly help in raising awareness among students, parents, teachers, and the larger community about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,” he said.
He said the desire to create a next generation that can help propel our nation towards becoming a highly developed country requires commitment and tireless efforts especially from school leadership and teachers.
“Let us ensure that the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) STEM policy and agenda are realised and fulfilled in all schools across the curriculum through curricular, co-academic, co-curricular, and character-building activities,” said Dr Sim.
Earlier, PPD Padawan education officer Dr Abang Adam Abang Deli said this year’s STEM Carnival carries the theme STEM for Sustainability.
He also said the two-day carnival, aims to increase students’ interest and awareness in STEM subjects, and provides an opportunity for students to present their STEM work.
“Objective of the carnival is also to increase STEM enrollment in the medium term (three to five years) and provide a platform for stakeholders to share information related to STEM,” he said.
