By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Dec 10: Chinese-aided primary schools in Sarawak are expected to receive another boost next year through a State government allocation aimed at upgrading classrooms into smart classrooms and strengthening interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Under Phase Two of the upgrading initiative, the Sarawak Chinese Schools Consultative Committee is expected to channel part of the funds towards purchasing science and technology equipment, including robotics sets, 3D printers and drones, to encourage STEM learning among primary school students.
Deputy Premier for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the committee will first focus on upgrading classrooms in Chinese primary schools to smart classrooms. The subsequent phase will involve procuring STEM equipment and enhancing school security.
“We can continue to help our forward-looking vision for STEM. By starting in primary schools, students will be better prepared as they move on to secondary school.
“STEM learning should not be limited to secondary school alone. This approach will help nurture future engineers and technology talents for Sarawak’s nation-building efforts,” he said during the handover ceremony of the Sarawak government’s allocation for providing smart classroom equipment and electronic Mathematics and Science reference materials for Sarawak-aided Chinese primary schools at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Chung Hua No.3 today.
Dr Sim added that the initiative will also include the installation of CCTV systems to improve campus safety and security.
“Phase two will equip more Chinese primary schools with smart classrooms, with a similar allocation of RM5 million.
“As smart classrooms will become more common next year, we will also use the extra funding to provide robotics kits, 3D printers, drones and CCTV,” he said. – DayakDaily
