Transforming education must: Hajiji
Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji posing for a group photo with other guests and participants of Arise 2025. Kota Kinabalu: Transforming the State's education system is an urgent necessity and not a choice to ensure Sabah students are prepared to face future challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said 2024 study data revealed that only 65 per cent of students demonstrated good or excellent problem-solving skills, while just 72pc felt confident applying scientific knowledge in their daily lives. 'This shows we cannot be complacent. Many students are still struggling to grasp basic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts. Therefore, education transformation must be made a top priority,' he said when officiating an international education research conference, Arise (Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration) at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Wednesday. Hajiji said a research and innovation-based teaching approach must be strengthened and mainstreamed to ensure Sabah's education system remains relevant, inclusive and competitive. Hajiji also called on all educators, educational institutions, researchers and policymakers to continue exploring and improving educational approaches in line with the digital era and current industry needs. He said Arise 2025, which brings together more than 600 participants including the United Kingdom, Spain, Philippines, China and Ireland serves as a vital platform for global-level educational collaboration.
Advertisement 'This conference not only unites educators, researchers and policymakers from various countries but also promotes the empowerment of education rooted in science, technology and culture.' He also emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM education as key drivers in developing a high-quality, competitive and innovative human capital in Sabah. He said the State Government has allocated RM41.75 million this year to the State Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KSTI), the Sabah Skills and Training Centre (SSTC) and the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (Scenic) for various training and skills empowerment programmes. They include Kembara Sains Borneo, the Sabah Science Carnival, the Technology and Innovation Competition, the STEM Education Festival, the Roboneo Programme and the Sabah Screen Fest — all of which serve as important platforms to spark students' interest in technology and engineering. Hajiji also welcomed the presentation of 13 conference sub-themes, including digital education, Malay studies, Islamic education, guidance and counselling, sports science, visual arts and early childhood education. He is confident sharing of knowledge would lead to international collaborations that can elevate the profile of researchers and educational institutions in Sabah to the global stage. 'Educators are the lifeblood and backbone of successful education transformation. I urge them to be bold in exploring research and innovation in education,' he said. Arise 2025 is also a manifestation of the State Government's commitment through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2021–2025, which prioritises education as a catalyst for the State's sustainable development. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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