By Karen Bong and Chris Bishop
KUCHING, Nov 15: Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) presented Samsung tablets to 30 pupils from SJK Chung Hua Siburan during a ceremony to declare open the school’s sports complex by Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
Playing a small role in assisting the Sarawak government, SMA general manager Ts Dr Zaidi Razak said that the effort aimed at assisting students, especially from vulnerable communities, with online learning amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It must be emphasised that Covid-19 has affected different classes of society disproportionately and as the world transitions into a more digitised era, it is vital that those who are the most vulnerable in our societies are paid attention to and assisted accordingly.
“The pandemic has proven the importance of being a digitalised economy. It is therefore critical for students in this digital era to have the proper resources to be connected,” he said through a statement.
Noting that accessibility to online learning, particularly in remote places within Sarawak, has been a great concern to the government, Zaidi said SMA has taken this small step to assist these 30 deserving students so that they too will not be left behind in the pursuit of knowledge.
“This is indeed a small step to narrow the digital gap and to provide these students with the ability to adapt to and embrace digital transformation,” he added.
“SMA believes that everyone deserves the right to high-quality education and is committed to assisting deserving students in technological advancement to equip young Sarawakians with the knowledge to partake in the digital economy.”
Zaidi hopes the contribution will be able to help those from the rural communities and those facing hardships, to be able to continue their education without interruptions.
“SMA remains focused on supporting the development of school children by ensuring that they have the right equipment and resources to be connected. we have always been highly invested in providing digital solutions to bridge the digital divide,” he added.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Serembu assemblyman Miro Simuh, P199 Serian incumbent Dato Sri Richard Riot Jaem and P198 Puncak Borneo incumbent Datuk Willie Mongin were among those present. — DayakDaily
