The Sarawak government is taking a major leap forward in making sure students in Sarawak are equipped with Artificial Intelligence, AI, knowledge by supporting the ideas of specialised AI traning for teachers across the state. This initiative, fully supported by the Sarawak Premier, aims to equip educators with the knowledge and skills needed to integrate AI into classroom learning, ensuring students are prepared for an increasingly digital and AI driven world.
According to Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, this is introduced as a direct response to feedback from teachers in Sarawak. As conveyed by Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Department, Datuk Abdullah Saidol, educators across Sarawak have voiced their desire for AI to become a more integral part of the school curriculum.
The Premier has also voiced strong support for the development of AI education, emphasising that ethical AI use must be part of the conversation and the need to ensure that as AI becomes more accessible, but also is used responsibly and does not compromise ethical standards within the education sector.
A Step in the Right Direction, But What About Rural Areas?
While the initiative no doubt is a major leap forward and a progressive move, the question lingering is , what about rural areas where there are students that still struggles with basic internet access?
“Before we talk about AI, we need to fix the internet problem in rural schools,” a teacher shared in a report by Dayak Daily, echoing sentiments shared in the community. Many rural teachers have to face daily challenges such as unstable internet, limited access to digital devices, and poor connectivity, all of which could be a blocker for an effective implementation of AI learning tools.
Bridging the Digital Divide
The Sarawak government has acknowledged these concerns and stressed that improving digital infrastructure remains a parallel priority. The Premier has previously championed efforts to enhance internet connectivity, particularly through initiatives like the Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy and ongoing collaborations with private telco providers to expand rural broadband coverage.
These efforts are seen as crucial in ensuring that AI education doesn’t become yet another resource gap between urban and rural students.
Empowering Teachers and shaping the future generations
Despite the obstacles, I think we can agree that specialised AI training for teachers is a vital investment and pivotal move for Sarawak’s future.
By empowering teachers with current AI knowledge, the state is not only enhancing classroom learning but also producing a generation of students equipped with the skills to thrive in an AI powered world.
Because let's be honest, AI is shaping a brand new world, anyone that fails to adapt will be left struggling to even find a job in the near future. Even today, we can see companies laying off people that can’t keep up with digital demands, automation, or AI driven processes, which is a clear sign that future job security starts with education that evolves alongside technology.
If supported by parallel efforts to bridge the digital divide, Sarawak could well position itself as a national leader in AI education , one that leaves no student, regardless of geography, behind.
Anjali Kanabathy (k.viwyaanjali@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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