KENINGAU: A total of 177 Starlink locations have been installed in schools across Sabah under a collaboration with the Ministry of Education to expand Internet access, with 10 of these located in Keningau.
SabahNet Chairman Datuk Azman Roslan said the initiative focuses on schools in rural and island areas that have difficulty obtaining Internet access, ensuring more students enjoy fast, stable and quality Internet connectivity.
He said the effort is in line with the aspiration of ensuring every student in Sabah has equal opportunity to enjoy digital facilities regardless of location, thereby narrowing the digital gap between urban and rural schools.
Azman said Starlink installation can be carried out in any area as long as there is an electricity supply, allowing schools in remote areas to enjoy high-speed internet to support teaching and learning.
He said this to reporters after officiating the Keningau District-Level Google Educator BEST Programme at SK Bingkor here.
Earlier in his speech, Azman said mastery of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is crucial in education as it can improve the quality of teaching and learning through more interactive and effective use of technology.
He said ICT not only allows teachers to deliver knowledge more engagingly through videos, animation, multimedia presentations and digital applications, but also allows students to access various sources of information on the internet, undertake self-directed learning and build digital skills, critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving abilities.
He added that ICT proficiency also facilitates communication between teachers, students and parents, besides making education management more efficient and systematic.
He said mastery of ICT is no longer an option but a necessity in producing a knowledgeable, competitive generation ready to face the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the digital economy.
Azman also encouraged educators to make full use of the internet facilities and digital platforms provided to strengthen 21st century teaching practices, creating a more innovative, creative and student-centred learning environment.
The Keningau District-Level Google Educator BEST Programme brought together teachers from across the district to enhance their knowledge and skills in using digital applications and technology in the classroom.
The programme is hoped to strengthen educators’ competency in delivering more effective teaching, supporting the education digitalisation agenda and producing highly skilled human capital in Sabah.
