Latest news with #JollyLearning
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Layar education group backs Sagah's emphasis on STEM for rural communities
Paul also pointed out that SELC 2025 is HRD Corp claimable, making it an accessible professional development opportunity for both educators and employers. KUCHING (July 27): Layar Education Development Committee (LEDC) chairman Paul Langgang has voiced his full support for the call to action from State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for the rural communities. 'There is no doubt that Sarawak's rural communities must embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in order to be fully prepared for the state's future development,' said Paul. 'Equally important is the ability to address the language of STEM, which is why we have initiated the Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025, scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19, 2025, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) in Kuching.' Paul also pointed out that SELC 2025 is HRD Corp claimable, making it an accessible professional development opportunity for both educators and employers. He made this remarks during a recent SELC 2025 Steering Committee meeting. The conference is jointly organised by LEDC and Place Borneo Sdn Bhd, with the collaboration of educational partners including Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK. Sagah had made the call at the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme held at SMK Long Lama, Baram, recently, asserting that it was no longer acceptable to say that the 3Rs—reading, writing, and arithmetic—are enough for rural children. 'Our future depends on our ability to master science, technology, and digital knowledge. You too can excel in coding and STEM regardless of your location,' he said. SELC 2025 will convene renowned international education experts to support Sarawak's mission of strengthening English literacy and STEM education in schools. Among the featured speakers is Gilbert Jolly, Managing Director of Jolly Learning, the UK-based publisher behind the globally acclaimed Jolly Phonics programme. He has been instrumental in expanding the reach of phonics-based learning tools in classrooms worldwide and will share insights on their global impact and the future of phonics in literacy education. Also speaking at the event is Sarah Dagnell, a professional development leader with STEM Learning UK. With over a decade of experience in primary science education, Sarah specialises in helping schools and teachers enhance STEM outcomes through curriculum design, training, and evidence-based teaching strategies. SELC 2025 aims to equip educators with innovative teaching strategies, aligned with Sarawak's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy, to build a future-ready workforce. The conference is expected to draw participants from across Malaysia and the region. It is supported by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, the Sarawak State Education Department, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch, whose contributions reflect a strong and collective commitment to advancing education in Sarawak. Registration is now open, with standard rates set at RM890.92 for Malaysian delegates and USD300 for international participants. Outstation teachers may also apply for a special subsidy extended by MEITD through LEDC and Place Borneo, subject to terms and conditions for eligibility. Eligible participants may also tap into the Geran Tahunan Khas offered by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development. For more information and registration details, visit or contact Mr Emierson at +6082 555 189 or [email protected]. lead Paul Langgang rural communities SELC STEM
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- 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
08-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak English Literacy Conference 2025 now HRD Corp claimable
Gilbert Jolly, the incoming CEO of Jolly Learning, brings experience from high-growth start-ups in London, San Francisco, and Nairobi to the conference. KUCHING (July 8): The Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025 is recognised as a Human Resource Development Corporation claimable training programme. This allows eligible Malaysian employers to claim the conference fee under the human resource development levy, making it more accessible for educators and professionals to benefit from nationally endorsed, high-quality training. Scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 September 2025 at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here, SELC 2025 brings together educators, policymakers, and literacy advocates to explore transformative strategies in English language teaching and learning. It features a distinguished line-up of both international and local speakers, including three globally respected figures whose contributions have shaped educational practices around the world. Gilbert Jolly, the incoming CEO of Jolly Learning, brings experience from high-growth start-ups in London, San Francisco, and Nairobi. Since joining the family business three years ago, Jolly has led the development of Jolly Classroom, the company's flagship digital platform. He focuses on bridging the gap between digital and physical learning tools, with a vision to enhance the core customer experience and expand the reach of literacy education through innovative technology. Meanwhile, Sarah Dagnell, a leading figure in primary science and STEM education at STEM Learning UK, will share practical approaches to integrating science and literacy. With over 14 years of classroom experience and a background in award-winning science education, Dagnell is well known for her impactful professional development work and curriculum expertise. Another prominent speaker, Sara Wernham, co-author of the internationally renowned Jolly Phonics programme, is a pioneer in early literacy instruction. A former UK primary school teacher, she played a key role in developing the Systematic Synthetic Phonics method now used in classrooms worldwide. Her contributions to Jolly Grammar and Jolly Readers continue to shape how children learn to read and write across the globe. Delegates attending SELC 2025 will gain invaluable insights from these and many more experts and leave with practical strategies to enhance English literacy instruction in their contexts. The conference is jointly organised by Place Borneo and the Layar Education Development Committee (LEDC), with the collaboration of educational partners including Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK. It is supported by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, the Sarawak Education Department, and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). Their involvement highlights Sarawak's ongoing commitment to raising educational standards and nurturing future-ready learners in a rapidly evolving world. Standard registration is now open, with fees at RM890.92 for Malaysian delegates and USD300 for international participants. These rates are inclusive of Sales and Service Tax (SST) and applicable bank charges. For full conference details or to register, please visit For further enquiries, contact Emierson at +6082 555 189 or email [email protected]. . STEM HRD Corp Sarawak English Literacy Conference 2025 SELC
