English education must evolve with technology, says S'wak minister
BINTULU (June 11): English is not just an academic subject in school, but a gateway to global knowledge, science and technology and opportunity, said Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
'As we strive to build a competitive and innovative Sarawak, equipping our teachers with relevant skills – especially in digital-age pedagogy – is non-negotiable.
'As technology continues to shape the way we live, it must also transform the way we educate,' he said in his text speech read by his deputy minister, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, when officiating the opening ceremony of the 'Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (Seles) 2025' here today.
According to Sagah, teaching and learning can no longer remain static, especially since digital tools, AI (artificial intelligence), gamification and online platforms are not mere trends but teaching essentials.
He added this year's theme 'Igniting Minds: English Language Learning in the Digital Age' reflected the urgent need to rethink and reimagine how to teach and learn English.
He noted Seles began in 2017 as a large-scale initiative, bringing together over 1,000 English language educators from across Sarawak.
'In recent years, Seles has evolved into a more focused and customised platform, designed to support teachers through the sharing of best practices and localised content that can be readily applied in their own classrooms and schools.
'For us at the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Seles is more than just a symposium – it is a strategic investment in our teachers, schools, and future generation.'
He hoped the three-day symposium would be able to deepen the teachers' understanding of technology-enhanced English language teaching.
'We also hope it will encourage greater innovation in the classroom, inspiring educators to explore new strategies and tools in adapting to the needs of today's learners.
'Ultimately, we believe that initiatives like Seles will help raise the overall standard of English language education throughout Sarawak, aligning our practices with global trends while remaining grounded in local values and realities,' he said.
He added the ministry remains fully committed to supporting this transformation through programmes like Seles, as part of its broader mission to build sustainable and future-ready human capital for Sarawak.
'Our teachers are the key to that mission and we will continue to invest in their growth and success,' he said. English Roland Sagah Seles technology
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