Latest news with #GeraldRentapJabu
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
SELC 2025: Boosting English literacy to power Sarawak's future workforce
Rentap (third left) says SELC 2025 brings in internationally-renowned speakers to share with the participants valuable methodologies and global best practices. KUCHING (July 18): English literacy plays a pivotal role in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and also in preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world. In highlighting this, State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu also stressed about the language's importance in ensuring Sarawak would reach its high-income economy status by 2030. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' he said in a statement to promote the Sarawak English Literary Conference (SELC) 2025, scheduled to be taking place at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here this Sept 17 to 19. SELC 2025 is meant to be a strategic platform to support the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts in elevating the English language proficiency across all levels of education – from early childhood to tertiary stage. Adding on, Rentap, also advisor to SELC 2025, said Sarawak would require a highly-skilled workforce especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. 'STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood. 'Introducing synthetic phonics at an early age has proven effective in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning.' On SELC 2025, Rentap said it would bring in internationally-renowned speakers in phonics, education and STEM — all of whom would share with the participants valuable methodologies and global best practices. 'With support from international experts, from Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK, we want our educators, not just in Sarawak but from across Malaysia and beyond, to benefit from this knowledge-sharing opportunity.' Rentap also spoke about the strategic importance of investing in educators themselves, underlining a strong education system would depend not only on the curriculum, but also on the capacity and commitment of its teachers. 'If we are to prepare our youths for tomorrow's challenges, from hydrogen energy to aerospace, from carbon management to AI (artificial intelligence), then our teachers must be equipped with the tools and vision to guide them.' Describing SELC 2025 as a 'homegrown conference with international ambition', Rentap said the initiative meant to align strongly with Sarawak's broader aspirations. 'This is not just an event, as it is part of a long-term vision. 'We are grateful to the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development and the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, as well as the Sarawak Education Department and Business Events Sarawak, for their support in making this a reality. 'With the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak beginning from next year, the emphasis on literacy and technical knowledge is crucial than ever. 'We want our youths to have every opportunity to succeed, not only here in Sarawak but on the global stage. 'If they are equipped with strong English skills and a solid foundation in science and technology, they can go anywhere,' said Rentap. For more information and registration details, go to or call Emierson on +6082-555 189, or access [email protected]. Gerald Rentap Jabu Kuching lead Sarawak English Literary Conference SELC
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Rentap: English literacy vital for Sarawak to meet demands of globalised, tech-driven world
Rentap (third left) said SELC 2025 will involve internationally renowned speakers sharing valuable methodologies and global best practices. KUCHING (July 18): English literacy plays a pivotal role in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world, said Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu. The Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development said Sarawak will require a highly skilled workforce especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in line with its Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030, focusing on economic growth, environmental sustainability and social inclusivity. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' he said in a statement to promote the Sarawak English Literary Conference (SELC) 2025 on Sept 17-19. Rentap, who is an SELC 2025 advisor, said STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood. According to him, introducing synthetic phonics at an early age has proven effective in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning. He said SELC 2025 will bring in internationally renowned speakers in phonics, education, and STEM — all of whom will share valuable methodologies and global best practices. 'With support from international experts from Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK, we want our educators, not just in Sarawak but from across Malaysia and beyond, to benefit from this knowledge-sharing opportunity,' he said. Rentap also spoke on the strategic importance of investing in educators themselves, asserting that a strong education system depends not only on the curriculum but also on the capacity and commitment of its teachers. 'If we are to prepare our youth for tomorrow's challenges, from hydrogen energy to aerospace, from carbon management to artificial intelligence, then our teachers must be equipped with the tools and vision to guide them,' he said. He thanked the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development; Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development; Sarawak State Education Department; and Business Events Sarawak for supporting the event. With the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak from next year, he said the emphasis on literacy and technical knowledge is more crucial than ever. 'We want our youth to have every opportunity to succeed, not only here in Sarawak but on the global stage. If they are equipped with strong English skills and a foundation in science and technology, they can go anywhere,' added Rentap. SELC 2025 is designed as a strategic platform to support the Sarawak government's ongoing efforts to elevate English language proficiency across all levels of education, from early childhood to tertiary. It aspires to influence future educational policies and strategies, helping to position Sarawak as a knowledge-forward and future-ready state by 2030. For more information and registration details, visit or call Emierson on 082-555189 or email [email protected]. Gerald Rentap Jabu lead Sarawak English Literary Conference
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Over 300 students visit STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 tour in Betong
Rentap (left) listens to a briefing by a facilitator. KUCHING (June 18): More than 300 students, mainly from Primary 5, Primary 6, and Form 1, have visited the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 tour in Betong, said Sarawak Skills. In a press release today, Sarawak Skills said Betong was the seventh out of 18 stops for the statewide tour. STEM Catalysts is a touring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) carnival organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development to spur pupils' interests in STEM, particularly those from rural primary schools. The 2025 edition features the use of coding and Raspberry Pi to make use of STEM knowledge, including the use of Raspberry Pi to control hydraulic systems to lift very heavy objects guided by Pascal's Law. Youth, Sport and Entrepreneur Development Deputy Minister Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, who is Layar assemblyman, officially opened the event at the Betong District Education Office yesterday. He said STEM awareness and interests must be inculcated in students as early as possible to get them ready for the technology driven and competitive world. 'Therefore, I hope events such as STEM Catalysts can be carried out more frequently and with participation from parents and the public. We need everyone's participation to nurture our young ones,' he said. Students observe one of the STEM exhibits. STEM Catalysts is one of the many initiatives coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development to achieve the target of increasing STEM enrolment in Sarawak from 30 per cent to 60 per cent, to produce enough talents for the state. The event involved staff and students from Sarawak Skills and University of Technology Sarawak, as well as STEM communicators from the Sarawak Science Centre. Persatuan Kebajikan Rolf Schnyder, a philanthropic organisation which provides education support to children, also organised a mini coding competition. The tour will move on to Lubok Antu and Simunjan, followed by Kanowit, Song, and Kapit next week. It is expected to cover 100 schools by the end of the month. Betong Gerald Rentap Jabu lead STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025
Free Malaysia Today
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Free Malaysia Today
Spirit of Hari Gawai burns bright in Betong, Sarawak
Participants of the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade included children in traditional attire. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) PETALING JAYA : During the festive season of Gawai, the tranquil town of Betong in Sarawak comes alive in a vibrant display of culture and community spirit. FMT Lifestyle recently visited the Sarawak heartlands during the harvest festival upon invitation of the Sarawak Tourism Board. The highlight of the trip was the Betong Gawai Dayak Parade, which kicked off at the town's sports complex on the morning of June 7. Themed 'Mujur Mansang Segulai Sejalai', which translates to 'Progressing Together in Unity and Harmony', the event was a beautiful showcase of Dayak culture, with men, women and children dressed in striking and vibrantly coloured traditional attire. The parade was attended by Betong MP Richard Rapu and youth, sports and entrepreneur development deputy minister Gerald Rentap Jabu. Members of the Dayak Bukit Kelingkang contingent. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Over 1,500 people comprising 18 contingents from Betong and Sri Aman – ranging from primary schoolchildren to community leaders and civil servants – took part in the event, which was also a competition that saw winners receiving cash, trophies and certificates. Participants embarked on a lively 1.8km walk through the town, starting at the sports complex and concluding at the nearby Panglima Rentap Hall. Feathered and 'sugu tinggi' headdresses, woven 'pua kumbu' skirts, beads, tattoos and crafted shields were all on proud display in a dazzling celebration of Dayak heritage that turned the streets into a living tapestry. Over 1,500 people from 18 contingents took part in the parade. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Some contingents featured elaborate floats depicting hornbills, longhouses and other symbols of traditional Dayak life. Others had musicians playing tunes on the sape, drums, and other instruments. Once the parade concluded, it was time for the victors to be announced. Cheers filled the air as the contingent from SMK Saribas was declared the overall champion for the third year running, having wowed the crowds with their colourful costumes. As overall champion, the 200-member-strong school contingent received a RM10,000 cash prize, as well as a trophy and certificates. They also won a RM3,000 first prize in a separate category. Men in traditional outfits making their way through the Engkeranji longhouse as part of Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) The celebrations continued that evening with a visit to the Sarawak Tourism Federation's open house, which took place at Rumah Veriland @ Rumah Panjang Engkeranji, a contemporary longhouse located close by. This offered was an opportunity for guests to experience Sarawakian hospitality at its finest, with the inhabitants of the 29-door longhouse graciously inviting visitors to try traditional delicacies such as 'manok pansoh' and 'umai'. Of course, what's a celebration without a bit of tuak? Guests also witnessed Dayak traditions such as a 'ngajat' dance and a traditional 'miring' ritual offering ceremony. Visitors were treated to a warm and wonderful time during the open house. (Terence Toh @ FMT Lifestyle) Dance, music, and other forms of merriment ruled the rest of the night during the Gawai Kaamatan Concert 2025, which featured a unique fusion of Dayak cultural elements from both Sabah and Sarawak. Talents including singer Melissa Francis, sape player Jerry Kamit, and members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association Sarawak took the stage. A spirited fireworks display marked a vibrant and memorable close to the festivities. All in all, Betong may not be as well known as other parts of Sarawak such as Kuching or Miri, but the energy and friendliness of its people make the town a definite must-visit. This is especially the case during the Gawai month, when traditions feel truly alive and heartfelt.
Borneo Post
23-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Dayak associations asked to elevate efforts to protect, preserve culture and traditions
(From front third left) Rentap joins the miring ritual to mark the opening of Iban Gawai Night hosted by organising chairman Mabong Unggang. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 23): Dayak-based associations have been asked to increase their efforts to preserve and protect the traditions, culture, and arts of the community. In making this call, Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu this is vital for the dignity of their communities. 'Support each other's programmes and activities, particularly in showcasing our cultures and identity. When you promote all these, Sarawak will progress and prosper moving forward,' he said at the Iban Gawai Night for the Gawai Dayak Bazaar (GDB) 2025 at MJC Batu Kawa here last night. The Layar assemblyman also invited the public to attend the State Gawai Dayak Open House will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching Convention (BCCK) on June 1. He said the open house will be hosted by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas. Rentap also pointed out that on June 7, a grand joint Gawai Dayak-Kaamatan celebration will be held in Betong. Tonight, the Orang Ulu community will hold the Orang Ulu Gawai Night at GDB 2025, with Telang Usan assemblyman Datuk Dennis Ngau scheduled to officiate. GDB 2025 will end on Sunday. Dayak Gawai Dayak Bazaar Gerald Rentap Jabu Iban Gawai Night lead
