KUCHING, Nov 19: Additional allocations are needed to upgrade Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities and digital technology to transform the national education system.
Dayak Think-Tank Association Sarawak (DTTAS) secretary Jacqueline Martin said it is important in order to upgrade ICT facilities involving 10,250 schools across the country.
She said that existing equipment in schools are a little behind in term of technology, and Internet access facilities are very weak as well as the equipment used.
“Priority should be given to improving the schools’ ICT systems because it is very necessary at this time not only for Learning and Facilitation (PdPc) but in carrying out school affairs and administration,” she said in a statement today.
Jacqueline said in an effort to strengthen the digitisation of the national education system, large allocations are needed to provide related facilities and infrastructure including obtaining the latest technology to be applied in the PdPc process.
She pointed out that the national education system needs to look at the transformation approach which should coincide with local needs, taking into account cultural conditions, locality and existing values.
“The need to bridge the education gap can also be achieved through continuous efforts and commitment from all stakeholders, especially parents, government organisations (NGOs), local communities and investors,” she added.
Meanwhile, Jacqueline said in Budget 2023, the government continues to prioritise education as the most important segment of national expenditure with the Ministry of Education (MOE) continuing to receive the largest allocation totaling RM55.6 billion.
“Minister of Finance, Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz also said that the amount is an increase from the existing allocation in Budget 2022 which was RM52.6 billion.
“As such, MOE should be given more additional allocations in Budget 2023 in order to be in line with the government’s desire to transform education and empower the country’s digital education,” she explained. — DayakDaily
