Latest news with #SarawakEducationDepartment
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
25-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sarawak Education Dept working to increase enrolment in Form 6, better STPM performance
SMK Green Road Kuching STPM high achievers celebrate their achievements. — Bernama photo KUCHING (June 25): The Sarawak Education Department is actively working to boost Form 6 enrolment and performance, said its director Omar Mahli. He said while the state saw improvements in several areas—including the number of perfect scorers and high-performing schools—more effort was needed to attract students to pursue Form 6 as a viable pathway after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. 'There are various post-SPM options such as IPG (Institute of Teacher Education), pre-university, foundation programmes and Form 6. 'We want to see more students choose Form 6,' he told reporters after the announcement of the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) 2024 exam results at Dewan Jamilah, Yayasan Sarawak yesterday. Omar said efforts were underway to increase awareness and exposure among students about STPM exam formats and answering techniques, as well as equipping Form 6 teachers with better training. 'We acknowledge there's still a shortage of Form 6 teachers. However, we've been managing it by using existing mainstream subject teachers to fill the gap,' he said. When asked about the decline in performance among previously high-achieving schools, he said further analysis would be conducted to identify the key factors involved. 'There could be many contributing factors. In fact, these students still have the opportunity to improve their results. 'We will look into it through further analysis and share the key factors behind the decline once identified,' he said. education Form 6 Omar Mahli Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
Borneo Post
25-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Director: Edu Dept working to increase enrolment in Form Six, better STPM performance
Efforts were underway to increase awareness and exposure among students about STPM exam formats and answering techniques, as well as equipping Form Six teachers with better training. – File photo KUCHING (June 25): The Sarawak Education Department is actively working to boost Form Six enrolment and performance, said its director Omar Mahli. He said while the state saw improvements in several areas—including the number of perfect scorers and high-performing schools—more effort was needed to attract students to pursue Form Six as a viable pathway after the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination. 'There are various post-SPM options such as IPG (Institute of Teacher Education), pre-university, foundation programmes and Form Six. 'We want to see more students choose Form Six,' he told reporters after the announcement of the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) 2024 exam results at Dewan Jamilah, Yayasan Sarawak yesterday. Omar said efforts were underway to increase awareness and exposure among students about STPM exam formats and answering techniques, as well as equipping Form Six teachers with better training. 'We acknowledge there's still a shortage of Form Six teachers. However, we've been managing it by using existing mainstream subject teachers to fill the gap,' he said. When asked about the decline in performance among previously high-achieving schools, he said further analysis would be conducted to identify the key factors involved. 'There could be many contributing factors. In fact, these students still have the opportunity to improve their results. 'We will look into it through further analysis and share the key factors behind the decline once identified,' he said. education Form Six Omar Mahli Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
Borneo Post
18-06-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
26 Sarawak schools receive robotics kits to boost STEM skills
Sagah (centre) hands over the robotic kit to the school representatives on stage. KUCHING (June 19): A total of 26 schools across Sarawak have been selected to receive robotics kits as part of the state's ongoing effort to cultivate digital skills and foster interest in robotics among students. The initiative, under the STEM Trailblazers Sarawak programme, was launched in conjunction with preparations for the National Robotics Competition (NRC) 2025, which will be held from July 17 to 19. In a speech delivered by Sarawak State Education Director Omar Mahli ― represented by Sarawak Education Department (JPN) deputy director (Learning Sector) Siti Zulaiha Ibrahim ― he said the robotics kits were allocated based on specific criteria, with priority given to schools new to national robotics competitions but that have shown strong potential and commitment. 'More importantly, these schools have dedicated teachers who are passionate, willing to learn, and committed to guiding their students in coding and robotics,' he said. A total of 13 primary and 13 secondary schools from 13 District Education Offices across Sarawak were selected under the programme. Omar praised the role of school administrators, principals, and teachers in supporting and sustaining robotics education. 'Without the encouragement and resources provided by school leadership, this programme would not be able to flourish,' he said. He also extended appreciation to partners for their continuous support and collaboration in promoting robotics education. 'To our students, we hope these kits inspire you to think creatively, develop problem-solving skills, and collaborate with your peers. 'Let this be the beginning of an exciting journey into the world of robotics and beyond,' he added. Also present was State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak education director: 800 candidates absent from 2024 SPM exams
Omar says that while this year's State GPN is at 4.84, an increase of 0.08 points compared to last year, the non-attendance of SPM candidates remain concerning. – Bernama photo KUCHING (April 24): A total of 800 students out of the 33,039 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 candidates in Sarawak were reported absent during the examination period, revealed State Education director Omar Mahli. He stated that while this year's State Average Grade (GPN) is at 4.84, an increase of 0.08 points compared to last year, the non-attendance of SPM candidates remain concerning. 'Based on the report we received, many of the students chose to work in order to financially support their family. 'There are also cases where the students were unable to sit for the exams due to health issues,' he told a press conference at the Sarawak Education Department here today. In this regard, Omar said various initiatives have been undertaken to address this issue, including a government-led intervention that involves home visits to engage with parents and discuss the best solutions in the students' best interest. Additionally, counselling programmes are being provided to students to boost their awareness about the importance of education, he added. He also said schools are collaborating with the government to assess the factors contributing to absenteeism among SPM candidates through post-mortem analyses to better support students in need. 'We are ready to provide students with assistance, whether it is financial or accommodation, to support them in their academic journey.' Adding on, Omar noted that there is a significant improvement in the quality of education in both urban and rural areas. As such, he said the government is committed to addressing the issue to ensure that all students in Sarawak have equal and unlimited access to education. 'We want to give students the opportunity to attend school and pursue their studies to the highest level. 'If there are any problems, we are more than happy to offer our assistance to resolve the issue,' he added. absent candidates lead Omar Mahli SPM
