BY NATASHA JEE & MARGARET RINGGIT
MARUDI: The Sarawak government has agreed to allocate an annual allocation of RM1 million for nine secondary schools in the interior of Baram to facilitate students’ access to additional computer-aided-tuition programmes using the ‘Khan Academy’ software.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this is the state’s effort to strengthen the subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) among the rural students.
“A successful private initiative led by Datuk TH Tan had introduced the said online tuition and being monitored by teachers at a school, SMK Temenggong Datuk Lawai Jau in Long San, Baram, resulting in students achieving four As and above.
“Thus, Tan and his team formed another foundation called Hornbill Foundation, whereby the business community contributes to support our efforts.
“For the budget of this special project, we are going to adopt all the nine secondary schools in Baram using this technology.
“And the state government allocates RM1 million annually to incorporate all the nine schools for them to have this extra online tuition using the ‘Khan Academy’ software,” he said.
He said during the hotel’s ground-breaking ceremony at Marudi Civic Centre here yesterday.
Abang Johari added that for a start, the state will provide RM1 million annually as the schools needed the necessary equipment and tutor required for the success of the computer-aided tutoring programme.
“We give it a period of five years first and we want to see the outcome of these nine schools because our rural students must excel in STEM and English. If they can, then we consider extending this programme to other rural areas,” he said.
He added Khan Academy, based in Silicon Valley, uses the latest technology through a satellite system known as Starlink.
“Starlink, originally is one of the technologies used by Elon Musk, and he is also in Silicon Valley.
“So, these high tech people are being connected. Meaning Marudi, Baram is connected to Silicon Valley. We (Sarawak) are connected to them (Silicon Valley),” he said.
On a related note, Abang Johari said a study was currently being carried out to assess the cost implications for Sarawak to provide tertiary education to Sarawakians.
“In view of this, the students must have the basic knowledge particularly in STEM. With this, we can produce the right human resource with the right talent to pursue our development plans,” said Abang Johari.
