Sarawak early childhood devt programme to be showcased at 2025 Asean business summit
KUCHING (July 9): A Sarawak-based pilot programme for early childhood implemented through the Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) is set to be presented at the 2025 Asean Business Summit as a potential regional policy model for childhood development and education.
Led by the National Early Childhood Intervention Council (NECIC) and Japanese healthcare and education company TOY8, the initiative is a digital screening and intervention model developed in collaboration with University of Malaya, Sunway University, and a team of Japanese clinical psychologists.
The model is designed to detect and address developmental delays in key areas such as gross motor skills, fine motor skills, speech and language, cognitive abilities, and social development.
SeDidik educators being trained on how the intervention programme works.
In 2023, the pilot has screened around 300 preschool children in Sarawak and provided intervention programmes for 10 per cent of children. This year, the programme is set to expand to reach 450 children across Sarawak.
Originally, the programme started off at SeDidik preschools which are owned by the Sarawak government under KPWK, but it has since begun spreading to other preschools such as those under the Association of Kindergarten Operators Sarawak (AKO).
Developmental gaps closed by an average of 3 months
Speaking to The Borneo Post, TOY8 Founder and Co-CEO Shun Matsuzaka shared that the preliminary findings of the pilot programme in Sarawak have been extremely encouraging.
'The results showed that children at the end of the programme saw their cognitive abilities grow by 9.15 months, language skills by 7.13 months, and fine motor skills by 10.60 months. Overall, this is 8.96 months of developmental improvements within the six-month intervention period,' he said.
He explained that this meant children who have undergone the programme had their developmental delay gap close by three months.
'This is all from just 10 minutes of intervention a day, and most encouragingly was the improvement in language as we originally thought that it would be very challenging for us to target.
'This is because language is the core of development and if the children are unable to speak they can't really grow their cognitive abilities,' he shared.
Proven economic value & efficacy
A preliminary cost-benefit analysis conducted by an expert panel of health economists, researchers and pediatric specialists from the Ministry of Health (MoH), NECIC and National Institute of Health (NIH) found that the screening tool alone has a cost-benefit ratio of 1.8.
'This means that if you invest RM1 million into implementing the screening tool, then society will benefit RM1.8 million in the future from increased future lifetime earnings of the children, lower healthcare costs, reduced drop-out rates, and minimised loss of productivity from parents,' Matsuzaka explained.
He clarified that the 1.8 cost-benefit ratio was only for the screening tool itself and does not include the intervention programme.
While there are no preliminary figures yet for the possible cost-benefit ratio for the intervention programme, Matsuzaka highlighted that other early intervention programmes in the US have shown cost-benefit ratios ranging from 10 to 20 times.
Additionally, he shared that there is currently an ongoing research study by the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) to validate the efficacy of the digital screening tool.
The study is led by CRC head Dr Toh Teck Hock who is currently also serving as a pediatrician at Sibu's Lau King Howe Memorial Children Clinic in Agape Centre that focuses on special needs children.
Endorsement from educators
The screening tool and intervention programme has also gotten a vote of confidence from educators, with SeDidik general nanager Ayub Dahari sharing that educators have reported developmental changes in participating children.
Ayub Dahari, General Manager, Sedidik Sarawak general manager Ayub Dahari speaks to The Borneo Post.
'When we first started this model, I believed it would help parents of special needs children and the children themselves to be able to better support themselves.
'But with the model in place, we have also found that it is effective in helping us convince parents that their children are in need of help, allowing us to get them the help they need earlier,' he said.
He added that that the structured programme has also given his teaching force the confidence to do intervention by themselves and to implement certain aspects into their regular syllabus, further supporting strong development of all their students.
Currently, the TOY8 programme is being piloted in around 20 SeDidik centres, but Ayub hopes that by the end of the 13th Malaysia Plan in 2030, they will be able to spread it to the rest of its 107 centres across the state.
'And by then, hopefully other agencies and associations will also be able to take up this initiative for the children of Sarawak.'
Regional expansion underway
As for Matsuzaka, he is hopeful that the Toy8 programme will be able to spread beyond Sarawak and eventually across Asia.
Founder and Co-CEO of TOY8, Shun Matsuzaka.
Highlighting the importance of Sarawak as a pioneer for this type early childhood development model, he explained that the selection of Sarawak for the pilot programme is partially due to Sarawak's strong commitment towards inclusive education given our 99 per cent preschool participation rate.
He added that Sarawak's example could serve as proof of concept for other Asean nations.
'Most early childhood development models come from rich countries like Scandinavian countries where they have more resources. We want to show it can work here in Asean too.'
Based on the success in Sarawak, the programme began rollout in Singapore, Indonesia, and other Asean countries in 2024. TOY8's broader goal is to help build an AI-enabled early childhood development infrastructure that scales across Asia—originating from Malaysia.
How does the model work?
Under the model, preschoolers aged 3 to 5 will undergo a series of activities that are designed to look like a fun smartphone game, while their parents or caretakers will answer a standardised questionnaire.
AI then analyses the results and generates a developmental report, which is shared with teachers and parents. If the child is identified as having mild to moderate delays, a personalised six-month intervention programme is generated.
These programmes, available in both Malay and English, are play-based and designed with input from experts within the gaming industry such as former game directors from Nintendo and Capcom.
Teachers then implement the activities daily, which take only 10 minutes, and a final progress report is provided at the end of the programme to show insights into the child's growth to support continued development.
To reach more rural communities, TOY8 is also working on an offline version using paper-based materials.
The initiative is currently supported by several prominent global philanthropic organisations, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Hong Leong Foundation, and The Nippon Foundation. It has also received support from the government of Japan.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Using AI play for early growth
Game changer uses technology to tackle development issues in children PETALING JAYA: As a child, Tokyo-born Shun Matsuzaka had boundless love for learning, but that passion rarely reflected in his grades, as he struggled to achieve good results. It wasn't until he was 19, during his foundation year at a university in the United Kingdom, that he was diagnosed with dyslexia. This changed not just his life but also shaped his ambition to help other children going through what he had to go through. Having moved to Malaysia in 2017, Matsuzaka, along with his partner Masaki Ishibashi, founded TOY8 in 2018, a social impact venture designed to unlock every child's potential through play and data. Together, they planned to establish an AI-powered playground in 2020 in a 45,000sq ft (4,180sq m) space at a mall in Kuala Lumpur. Filled with motion sensors and cameras, the playground would allow them to observe children's play and extract insights into their cognitive and motor strengths, which would then be explained to the parents if any issues were found. Sadly, the plan was derailed even before it could take off following the Covid-19 pandemic. TOY8 co-founder Matsuzaka. Defeated but not beaten, Matsuzaka was then inspired by a letter he received from the Tokyo city office – an invitation for his daughter to attend a mandatory three-year-old developmental screening. 'It was then I realised that while this was standard practice in Japan, Malaysia had no equivalent system for those aged between three and six – a gap in the most crucial window of brain development. 'Most parents had no structured way to know whether their child's development was on track or not and this gap, between the need for early detection and the absence of reliable access, became our new focus,' he said. Matsuzaka and his team then developed the first AI-powered, gamified screening and intervention system in Malaysia in 2022 in collaboration with Sunway University, Universiti Malaya, the Health Ministry Clinical Research Centre and a former Nintendo game director. The system utilised smartphone-based games to screen five core domains of development – language, cognition, fine and gross motor skills and social-emotional abilities. 'These games are intentionally designed to be exciting, intuitive and culturally relevant, enabling teachers in preschools and kindergartens to conduct reliable developmental checks during classroom time without requiring clinical expertise. 'If a child is flagged for mild or moderate developmental support needs, they can be supported through the TOY8 intervention programme, which offers over 3,000 plus fun game activities personalised to the child's profile. 'These interventions can then be delivered at school or home with the guidance of trained educators or caregivers,' Matsuzaka said. Matsuzaka also said TOY8's system empowers teachers with technology, not only to screen and support children but also to actively participate in the reduction of developmental inequality. 'Instead of relying solely on overburdened specialists, we shifted part of the responsibility to well-equipped preschool classrooms, ensuring that more children are identified early and supported effectively during the brain's most critical years of development.' Since its inception, TOY8 has screened over 15,000 children across Malaysia and other Asean countries with Sarawak becoming one of the first Malaysian states to adopt the model at scale in 2023. By integrating digital screening into its public preschools, the state now stands as a beacon of inclusive early education, not just in Malaysia but for the entire Asean region. 'By the end of the year, our programme in Sarawak will expand to screen 600 children, supported by a growing network of trained educators and interventionists. 'We are now hoping to present the Sarawak model as a regional policy proposal at the 2025 Asean Business Summit under the Inclusive Education 2.0 framework, as well as expand our reach to other Asean countries,' he added. Meanwhile, the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose heartfelt acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
'I skip meals': Disabled father struggles to care for 2 sons
JOHOR BARU: A father in Johor Baru, living with physical disabilities and facing financial hardship, is determined to raise his two young sons on his own amid severe challenges. Ahmad Kamal Kadir, 58, said that not only did he suffer a stroke which left one side of his body paralysed eight years ago, but he also had to have all the toes on his right foot amputated due to an infection late last year, leaving him unsteady on his feet. Despite his condition, Ahmad Kamal remains determined to care for his two sons, aged nine and ten, and the family currently resides in a rented room in a house in Taman Dato' Penggawa Barat. "Currently, I rely solely on the RM300 monthly welfare assistance from the Social Welfare Department for my children's schooling and our daily expenses. "Life isn't easy for us now. I used to be a contractor and lived comfortably, but now I am being tested by Allah. "I have to rely on the generosity of friends almost every month just to pay the RM400 room rent. "I often have to skip meals, as my priority is my children – Ahmad Faiz and his younger brother, Ahmad Daniel Hafiz Al Siddiq. "When it comes to basic needs, I can't afford many things for them, including school supplies. But I am thankful they understand my situation," he added. Ahmad Kamal said he is grateful to still have the strength to carry out daily tasks such as cooking, doing the laundry, and sending his sons to school using an old car given by a friend. "My wife is Indonesian, but we lost contact years ago due to family issues. "I am still trying to trace her, particularly to discuss our children's future, especially the application for our youngest son's birth certificate. "I have the necessary documents, but the National Registration Department (NRD) instructed us to visit the Johor NRD's investigation and enforcement division to schedule a DNA test appointment between me and Ahmad Faiz Al Siddiq," he told Harian Metro. Ahmad Kamal added that he was asked to pay RM1,700 for the collection of three blood samples by the Johor Chemistry Department for the DNA test. "I hope the relevant authorities can provide financial assistance, as Ahmad Faiz Al Siddiq's future will remain uncertain without a birth certificate," he said. Earlier, Ahmad Kamal received RM1,000 worth of goods from a prominent supermarket, as well as a cash donation from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Penyayang chairman Faridah Mustafa.
Malay Mail
20 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Dzulkefly: Over 400 contract medical officers decline permanent posts from 2023 to mid-2025, citing location and career concerns
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 — A total of 414 contract medical officers rejected permanent appointments and resigned between 2023 and June 2025, according to the health minister. Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said this represents 3.5 per cent of the 11,901 officers offered permanent posts during that period. Key reasons included reluctance to serve in Sabah, Sarawak, and the Federal Territory of Labuan, a stronger preference for urban healthcare facilities, and concerns over career progression in specialist fields if posted to rural or remote areas. 'Personal factors such as family care responsibilities, health issues, logistics, and financial concerns also influenced their decisions,' he added in a written reply posted on the Parliament website today. Dzulkefly was responding to a question from Mohammed Taufiq Johari (PH–Sungai Petani) on the number of health officers leaving the Ministry of Health (MOH) due to lack of permanent placement. He said the ministry remains committed to retaining medical officers through various initiatives. These include an 8 per cent salary increase from December 1, 2024 and a further 7 per cent rise starting January 1, 2026, the filling of 4,352 permanent medical officer posts in 2025, and lateral appointments to Grade UD10, which offer better pay than Grade UD9. So far, 4,006 contract medical officers have been offered permanent appointments — 92 per cent of the 2025 target set by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. MOH has also expanded benefits such as Paid Study Leave with the Federal Training Award, the Specialist Training Programme with MOH scholarships, and the introduction of Pre-Publication Incentive Payments from 1 July 2025 for officers undergoing supervised work experience. The ministry is exploring cooperation with state governments to offer incentives aimed at retaining healthcare workers in the public sector. 'These measures are vital to maintaining a high-quality, comprehensive, and resilient national health system, while safeguarding the welfare of MOH staff,' Dzulkefly said.
