KOTA SAMARAHAN: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas has called for more Smart Reader Worldwide branches in Sarawak, especially in the rural areas.
He said early childhood education is very important because it is the first learning that can influence the children’s development deeply.
He said children from Smart Reader schools generally have confidence, are smart and can speak and write in English well.
He added that the children also have the advantage of being a good speaker, reader and writer when they grow up later.
“Therefore, with the commitment of Smart Reader Kid Worldwide towards the development of a conducive and safe learning environment for children, I believe that we can achieve this goal effectively,” he said at the inauguration of Smart Reader Kids Taman Desa Ilmu, today (March 11).
Uggah added that the opening of an early childhood education centre with an international programme will definitely get good support among parents.
Smart Reader Worldwide has established more than 450 centres around the world including in Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Africa and the Middle East.
“These people also continue to do research and development in an effort to further improve their interactive programmes with the children.
“Of course all this will benefit our children, and they will have international pre-education standards,” he said.
Other than that, Uggah informed that the centre also focuses on English language in the teaching curriculum.
He noted that the institution will be a very important for Sarawak to support the government’s plan to ensure the people of the state are proficient in English.
“Therefore, they need to be exposed to this universal language of knowledge at the most basic level in education. We hope that the habit and interest in reading can be instilled among the children at this centre.
“Because, the practice of reading is very important in developing intellectual ability for future and current generations,” he said.
Chief Executive Officer of Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd Datuk Seri Dr Richard Ong informed that the opening of its new branch in Taman Desa Ilmu is the 22nd Smart Reader Kids centre in Sarawak, after the first centre was launched almost 20 years ago.
“All this time, the government, ministry and community in Sarawak have always supported Smart Reader Kids. We would like to thank the state for supporting the growth and development of this centre.
“With the Sarawak government’s 2030 aspiration to boost and sustain growth and socio-economic development over the next 10 years that emphasises the digital economy, we are excited about the future growth potential in the region.
“We hope to further expand across Sarawak, so that we can continue to provide quality early childhood education and employment opportunities in the future,” he stressed.
Present there with franchisee Smart Reader Kids Taman Desa Ilmu Sylvia Thomas Salang, Smart Reader Worldwide Sdn Bhd Executive Director Kevan Ong and other representatives.
