By Amanda L
KUCHING, Feb 11: Teachers in Sarawak are now officially part of an innovation network, as participants in Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) programmes are recognised as members of its alumni community.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh said the initiative strengthens the connection between educators and TEGAS, giving them ongoing access to the organisation’s programmes, facilities, and industry partnerships.
“Any teacher who takes part in our programmes is considered a TEGAS alumnus. They can tap into support structures, including TEGAS hubs and innovation initiatives,” he said at the closing ceremony of the Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop under the TEGAS Think & Tinker (T&T) Mini Lab initiative at TEGAS Digital Village today.
Len Talif, who is also TEGAS chairman, added that the alumni network empowers educators to pursue projects, startups, and community-focused innovation efforts, translating their training into tangible outcomes for students.
The ToT workshop, conducted with support from strategic partner STEM Ground, equips teachers to facilitate the T&T Mini Lab at school level, with a focus on digital technology, robotics, and innovation learning.
Forty-two teachers from 21 schools participated, gaining hands-on experience in collaborative and practical STEM teaching methods.
He emphasised that keeping teachers’ skills current in technology-driven education remains a challenge.
“TEGAS adopts a ‘train-the-trainer’ approach to ensure knowledge is continuously reinforced and shared. Through programmes like this, we equip educators to guide students in robotics, innovation, and digital technology, preparing Sarawak’s students for the demands of the future,” he said. — DayakDaily
