Education as foundation of human capital in Sabah’s rural econ

LocalOpinion
3 Mar 2025 • 9:04 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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By: Alden Alex Raymond, Wan Amira Mujiono

In Sabah, education is widely seen as a cornerstone for human capital development, essential for driving economic progress in the state’s many rural and underserved communities.

However, the reality on the ground paints a picture of numerous barriers that limit the transformative power of education in these localities. To truly unlock the potential of education, these challenges need to be addressed through concerted efforts from various stakeholders.

AdvertisementThe Digital Divide and Technological Barriers. The increasing reliance on digital technology in education highlights the gap in resources between Sabah’s urban centers and rural areas. While cities like Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan may have internet access and modern learning tools, communities in more isolated areas such as the interiors of Semporna and Tawau struggle with limited or no access to the internet.

Without the necessary digital infrastructure, children and workers in these areas are unable to acquire the digital literacy skills needed to thrive in the global economy, further exacerbating regional inequalities.