Latest news with #SELC
Borneo Post
6 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
6 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
CNBC
17-07-2025
- Business
- CNBC
Elon Musk's xAI permits challenged by NAACP, environmental groups in Memphis
Opposition to xAI's supercomputer facility in Memphis, Tennessee, intensified on Wednesday after environmental and civil rights groups filed to appeal a permit that allows the company to run natural gas-burning turbines to power its massive data center. When xAI, which is run by Elon Musk, first set up in Memphis last year, the artificial intelligence startup said the turbines it installed initially were temporary and too small to require permits. The company categorized them as "nonroad engine" style generators. Residents living near the facility complained for months that emissions from the turbines were creating a stench, worsening air pollution in Memphis, and disproportionately impacting people in nearby majority-Black communities. Still, the Shelby County Health Department issued a permit on July 2, allowing xAI to use up to 15 of the turbines. The department agreed that the turbines were small enough to be considered nonroad engines. In the appeal, dated July 15, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), which is representing the NAACP, and an environmental group called Young, Gifted & Green claim that the county's health department had ignored residents' concerns. The SELC also argued that the health department miscategorized the turbines used by xAI and issued the permits improperly, a violation of the Clean Air Act and some local environmental regulations. NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement that, "Our health shouldn't be threatened at the hands of billionaires who circumvent the law." The gas-burning turbines emit nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, among other pollutants, according to spec sheets on the website of Solaris Energy Infrastructure, xAI's partner and installer. Exposure to high levels of nitrogen oxides, which are precursors to ozone formation, have been associated with higher risk of death from respiratory disease. In a statement to CNBC on Wednesday evening, xAI said it was "disheartened (but not surprised)" to see the SELC's appeal. The company accused the firm of making a "baseless, politically driven appeal," and said it has "and will continue to comply with all federal, state and local laws." Environmental concerns aren't the only controversy facing xAI as the company tries to challenge OpenAI, Google, Meta and others in developing large AI models and services on top of them. Grok, xAI's chatbot, recently began to generate and spread antisemitic posts across X, including some that praised Hitler. The company apologized days later for making code updates that caused Grok to spit out the offensive content. Recently, xAI also launched a new Grok feature allowing users to access "AI companions." In tests by NBC News, some of the companions pressured Grok users into sexually explicit or violent conversations.
Borneo Post
16-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SELC 2025: Empowering educators, youths to meet Sarawak's 2030 vision
Gerald (third left) in a group photo after a meeting on SELC 2025 with (from left) LEDC chairman and conference convenor Paul Langgang; Place Borneo director and principal consultant, Gracie Geikie; Sarawak Education Department representative Eileen Guan; conference committee member, Mike Cannon; and Dr. Steve Ancheh, LEDC project coordinator. KUCHING (July 16): Language and literacy are crucial building blocks in ensuring Sarawak's readiness for the future as the state strides confidently towards a high-income economy by 2030. In an exclusive interview, Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025 advisor, Datuk Gerald Rentap Jabu, highlighted the pivotal role of English literacy in strengthening Sarawak's human capital development and preparing the younger generation for the demands of an increasingly globalised and technology-driven world. 'English is not just a language; it is a tool for access,' said Rentap, who is Sarawak's Deputy Minister of Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development. 'When we look at our Post-COVID Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), and the direction and directives from our Premier, it is clear that economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity will require a highly skilled workforce, especially in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). 'But this cannot exist in isolation. STEM must be accompanied by strong English literacy, beginning from early childhood.' Scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19, 2025, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) here, 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 the tertiary level. Rentap emphasised the significance of introducing synthetic phonics at an early age, noting its proven effectiveness in building strong language foundations that can later support science and technological learning. 'This conference brings 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. He also touched 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.' Describing SELC 2025 as a 'homegrown conference with international ambition', Rentap remarked that the initiative aligns strongly with Sarawak's broader aspirations. 'This is not just an event, 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, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, as well as the Sarawak State Education Department and Business Events Sarawak, for their support in making this a reality.' And with the introduction of free tertiary education in Sarawak from next year, 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,' Rentap said. SELC 2025 aspires to influence future educational policies and strategies, helping to position Sarawak as a knowledge-forward and future-ready state by 2030. The conference is jointly organised by Place Borneo and Layar Education Development Committee in collaboration with Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK. For more information and registration details, visit or contact Emierson at +6082 555 189 or [email protected]. English Gerald Rentap Jabu SELC 2025
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SELC 2025 organiser, UiTM Sarawak ink pact to strengthen academic collab
Dr Firdaus (front, left) exchanges documents with Gracie. Also seen is Paul (back, centre). KUCHING (July 12): The Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025 organising committee and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak, have entered into a formal partnership in a strategic move to strengthen academic collaboration and elevate English literacy, A Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed on Thursday by UiTM Sarawak rector Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah and Gracie Geikie, Director and Principal Consultant of Place Borneo Sdn Bhd. The ceremony was witnessed by Layar Education Development Committee (LEDC) chairman, Paul Langgang. SELC is jointly organised by Place Borneo and LEDC in collaboration with Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK. Under the agreement, UiTM Sarawak will provide both management and operational support for the academic components of SELC 2025, which will be held from Sept 17 to 19, 2025, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC), here. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in ensuring academic excellence as UiTM will play a leading role in shaping the conference's scholarly direction. Dr Firdaus said UiTM Sarawak branch placed strong emphasis on English proficiency, with most courses delivered in English across various faculties. 'The university supports students through integrated language learning and professional communication modules. UiTM also maintains ISO 9001 certification and is committed to achieving global recognition through quality assurance, curriculum enhancement, research, and innovation.' Paul added: 'This collaboration is about building a lasting legacy, empowering our educators, and establishing a platform for long-term capacity.' A key feature of the partnership is the appointment of Sheela Faizura Nik Fauzi from UiTM's Academy of Language Studies as Co-Chairman of the academic segment of the conference. Siti Huzaimah Sahari will oversee the whole process. They will collaborate closely with Dr Steve Ancheh and Alison Creena Wong of LEDC to ensure the academic segment runs smoothly. SELC is expected to bring together a dynamic line-up of speakers to explore innovative approaches to literacy teaching and learning. Backed by strong institutional support, the event is endorsed by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, the Sarawak State Education Department, and Business Events Sarawak. Their involvement emphasises Sarawak's ongoing efforts to raise educational standards and nurture future-ready learners in a rapidly changing world. Standard-rate registration for the conference is now open, with fees set at RM890.92 for Malaysian delegates and USD300 for international delegates. These rates are inclusive of Sales and Service Tax (SST) and applicable bank charges. For more information on the conference or to register, please visit or contact Emierson at +6082 555 189 or via email at [email protected]. lead Sarawak English Literacy Conference SELC UiTM
