By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Dec 1: Sarawak is set to introduce assessment exams for Primary 6, Form 3, and Form 5 students as part of its effort to improve education quality and better prepare students for future challenges.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg underscored the necessity of these assessments, particularly in light of the automatic promotion system currently practised in schools.
“I’ve instructed the Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, to announce that students at these key levels will need to sit for assessment exams.
“Currently, there are no major exams from Primary 6 until Form 5 due to the automatic promotion policy. These assessments are necessary to evaluate students’ progress and identify those needing additional support, such as special classes,” he said during the Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Gedong Delegates Meeting at Raia Hotel here today.
A recording of Abang Johari’s speech was provided to DayakDaily following the event.
Abang Johari, who is also the PBB president and PBB Gedong’s re-elected chairman, clarified that the exams are not punitive but are designed to gauge academic strengths and address learning gaps through targeted interventions.
He added that Sarawak’s collaboration with Cambridge University will facilitate the implementation of these assessments. This partnership aims to effectively evaluate students’ knowledge, especially in critical subjects like chemistry and mathematics, to prepare them for emerging industries such as aerospace and hydrogen energy.
The Premier also emphasised Sarawak’s commitment to its students’ future despite the associated costs, reflecting the State’s dedication to investing in education. — DayakDaily
