Sibu headmasters' council leads push for digital, inclusive school leadership

Borneo Post

05-07-2025

Kho (left) in a photocall with other PGBM Sibu members during the appreciation dinner.
SIBU (July 5): The Malaysian Headmasters Council (PGBM) Sibu branch is stepping up its role as a key driver of school leadership transformation in response to the growing demands of digitalisation and 21st-century education.
PGBM Sibu chairman Kho Kiat Hee said the fast-evolving educational landscape has made it imperative for school heads to adapt not only to technological tools but also to emerging pedagogical trends.
'We are not just talking about embracing digitalisation, but rethinking how schools are managed and how teaching and learning can be enhanced through digital tools,' he said during the PGBM Sibu Appreciation Dinner here on Friday.
Kho revealed that the association has already initiated capacity-building initiatives, such as workshops on artificial intelligence (AI) integration in school management, aimed at empowering headmasters with practical, tech-based solutions.
'These efforts are designed to help our school leaders navigate a complex post-pandemic education environment and lead more resilient, responsive institutions,' he added.
Kho also emphasised the importance of professional collaboration among schools in Sibu, noting that PGBM Sibu is actively building peer support networks to encourage knowledge sharing and best practices.
'Through consistent dialogues and partnerships, we aim to elevate the credibility and capability of our headmasters, particularly in rural areas where resources and exposure may be limited.
'The association is also acting as a vital communication bridge between the Ministry of Education, the Sarawak Education Department and local school administrators in disseminating critical policy updates and organising benchmarking visits to expand perspectives,' he said.
Touching on educational equity, Kho stressed the need for greater support for rural schools in the form of infrastructure development, professional training, and human capital investment.
'Headmasters in remote areas must be equipped not just with the tools, but also the encouragement and exposure necessary to bring meaningful change to their schools.'
On post-pandemic recovery, he noted that many headmasters in Sibu have taken proactive measures, such as forming special task forces to support students left behind during the pandemic.
'These interventions are crucial in ensuring no child is left out of quality education due to circumstances beyond their control,' he added.
Looking ahead, Kho said PGBM Sibu envisions becoming a strong, trusted platform that champions both professional growth and welfare of school leaders.
'Our mission over the next one to two years is clear—we want to remain a key partner in driving education reform and fostering leadership that is both innovative and compassionate,' he said.
Kho also announced that 22 headmasters from Sibu will participate in the upcoming National PGBM Education Convention at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu on July 15.
'This is a milestone event, bringing together 2,685 school leaders nationwide. It's a golden opportunity to exchange ideas, build cross-state connections, and delve into global education issues,' he said.
As such, Kho calls for resilience and optimism among school leaders, saying: 'Consistency and patience are key. Let's keep moving forward for the sake of our children's future.' digitalisation education Malaysian Headmasters Council PGBM schools Sibu