By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Oct 30: The Sarawak government will allocate RM16 million next year to equip approximately 1,400 schools across the State with smartboards as part of efforts to modernise teaching and learning.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative would cover schools in both urban and rural areas, provided they had access to internet connectivity.
He emphasised that Sarawak wanted to ensure teachers and students had access to modern digital learning tools, particularly to strengthen the teaching of science and other important subjects.
“Today we need smartboards. Sarawak currently has about 1,400 schools, and all schools will be given smartboards,” he said when addressing the 33rd Sarawak Premier Special Award and Sarawak Education Award 2026 at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre today.
He said each smartboard currently cost approximately RM10,000, with the RM16 million allocation planned for next year to support the initiative.
He stressed that teachers must also be trained to operate and use the equipment effectively to enhance classroom interaction and make lessons more engaging for students.
He said smartboards would allow teachers to interact with pupils through digital platforms and provide access to a wider range of educational resources.
Citing Khan Academy, a free online learning platform based in the United States, he said students could access lessons covering various subjects, supported by simple explanations, diagrams and illustrations.
“Such resources could help students understand important subjects more effectively, particularly science-related disciplines,” he said.
However, he cautioned that teachers must be equipped with the necessary digital skills to ensure they could guide students in using the technology effectively.
“It would be a problem if our students became more knowledgeable about these technologies than their teachers,” he said.
Abang Johari said the smartboard initiative was part of Sarawak’s broader education strategy to prepare students for the demands of the new economy, which would increasingly depend on science, technology and specialised knowledge.
He highlighted the importance of strengthening students’ understanding of mathematics, additional mathematics, algebra, physics and chemistry, particularly as Sarawak expands into emerging sectors such as hydrogen, semiconductors, microelectronics and artificial intelligence.
He said a strong foundation in these subjects was necessary to produce the skilled workforce required to develop and add value to the State’s natural resources.
The Premier also reiterated that education remained a major investment priority for the Sarawak government, stressing that teachers played an equally important role in preparing the next generation for future economic challenges.
“Sarawak will continue to invest in education to ensure Sarawakian children, regardless of their background, had the knowledge and skills to compete in the global economy,” he added.
State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister of Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Sarawak Education director Dato Omar Mahli and Yayasan Sarawak director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
