Sekolah Anak Malaysia
As a landmark social enterprise founded by LeapEd, SAM is the nation's first digital school, which offers a personalised and interactive online learning experience aligned with the Malaysian national curriculum.
Nina Adlan Disney, one of the founders of SAM said it was built and introduced to address learning gaps in the wake of the pandemic, where a post pandemic study conducted by LeadEd and Monash University Malaysia revealed learning gaps in education.
This prompted the setting up of SAM, where Nina said: 'The vision is to reach students in underserved and remote communities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive - no matter their background or geography,' she said.
Thaynhiskha Vijey, 14 years enrolled in the SAM programme last year and she spoke on the reasons why she feels happy to be part of SAM: 'I am enrolled in Form 2 this year and currently involved in project based learning, where we are divided into groups, no matter the level, and we are given a project to complete together. This is very relevant as it prepares me to work with others in a team effort,' she said.
Deepa Somanaidu, her mother feels government schools are naturally exam orientated and many students need more than that. Thaynhiskha loves piano and singing and the schedule under SAM gives her the time to have these extracurricular activities.
Michelle Koh Moh Cheng, Principal of SAM, said: 'Classes are designed to be interactive and relevant. Our teachers use a range of tools and media – from quizzes and games to virtual science laboratories, collaborative platforms and videos to keep classrooms dynamic and engaging.
'Beyond academics, students take part in the real world, hands-on tasks through project-based learning. For example, one project required students to set up a mock restaurant. They worked in teams to explore nutrition, marketing, budgeting, and graphic design.
'We also have an in person programme (IPP) held twice a year where students meet at a designated location, usually with boarding provided. The students are supervised in a structured environment to build life and social skills,' said Koh.
Nina also shared how teachers in SAM are upskilled to face challenges and ensure the digital classroom is navigated to give maximum benefits to students enrolled in it.
'LeadEd has more than 15 years of experience in teacher capacity-building through our flagship 'Trust Schools Programme'. Teacher upskilling and pedagogy lie at the heart of SAM and we ensure students can cope with regular assessments,' she said.
'Another key strategic partner is PayNet, who has been instrumental in providing scholarships and a development fund for SAM. This ensures that SAM is accessible to all students, regardless of their economic background.'
Another student, Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Azim, 14 years has a physical disability and had mobility issues in reaching school every morning.
Today according to his grandfather, Muhaimin has evolved into a happier student, with many friends and has even continued with his favourite pastime, archery.
'SAM has allowed flexibility in his life as a student and I have no doubt he will do well,' said his grandfather.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Focus Malaysia
13 hours ago
- Focus Malaysia
Speaking English as an ‘Anak Merdeka': Not Westernised, just globalised
EVERY time I speak English in public, I feel eyes on me. Some admire. Some judge. Some smile. Others sneer. When I speak it fluently, confidently, without fumbling, the assumption often follows: 'She must think she's more Western than Malaysian.' As a language lecturer with over 15 years of experience and a TikTok content creator under the name Awin Rzk, I often teach my followers how to speak English with a British flair, for fun, for style, for confidence. But some netizens are quick to attack. 'Lupa daratan', they say. 'Tak hargai Bahasa Melayu'. What they fail to see is that I am not promoting arrogance, nor am I dismissing our national language. I am sharing knowledge. I am educating. I am empowering. My content, both online and in the classroom, is born from love. Love for my students, my country, and the belief that Malaysians deserve to be articulate in any room they walk into, whether at home or abroad. That assumption, though quietly harboured, is far too common in our society. And this Merdeka, I feel compelled to speak. Not just as a content creator. Not just as a lecturer. But as a proud 'anak Malaysia'. We are not Westernised for speaking English. We are globalised. And we are free. Independence was never just about driving out foreign powers. It was about reclaiming our right to choose. The right to chart our own path. The right to learn any language, access any knowledge, and express ourselves without fear or shame. So why, after all these years of nationhood, are we still policing how Malaysians speak? Why is fluency in English still met with suspicion, as if it is a sign of betrayal? I do not teach English because I want Malaysians to abandon their roots. I teach it because I want them to rise. I want them to speak at international forums, to publish in global journals, to lead in multinational companies. I want them to sit at the world's table, not quietly in the corner, but with presence, poise, and power. Our students are brilliant. But I have seen too many of them shrink during job interviews or international conferences not because they lacked intelligence, but because they lacked confidence in their English. And sometimes, it is not even their fault. It is ours. We made them believe that being too fluent was showing off. That choosing English meant forgetting where they came from. We told them to be proud of being Malaysian, but only if they spoke a certain way. Let me be clear: Bahasa Melayu is our national language, and it is sacred. It holds our soul and our history. But loving one language does not mean we must reject another. Speaking English does not dilute your patriotism. It expands your ability to be heard. We are a nation born of many cultures. We speak Malay, Chinese dialects, Tamil, Iban, Kadazan, English, and more. That is not a weakness. In fact, it reflects the very essence of who we are. It shows how truly Malaysian we are diverse, adaptable, and united in our differences. This Merdeka, I raise the Jalur Gemilang as I do every year. I sing 'Negaraku' with my hand on my heart. And I continue teaching English with purpose. Not to Westernise my students, but to equip them with the tools to thrive beyond borders while staying rooted in who they are. That is what it means to be truly Merdeka. To speak without shame. To learn without limits. To grow without fear of being misunderstood. So no, I am not Westernised. I am Malaysian. I am a language lecturer with years of experience and a digital educator who teaches out of love for this country. I believe our young Malaysians should never feel they have to choose between fluency and patriotism. Let them speak with confidence. Let them dream in many languages. Let them rise in every room they enter. Because the world is listening. And it is time Malaysia speaks clearly, proudly, and without shame. ‒ Aug 13, 2025 Shazlin Razak is the English Language Lecturer at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science (PASUM), Universiti Malaya. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Unsplash/Putra Mahirudin
The Sun
15 hours ago
- The Sun
M'sian buys baby milk and diapers for struggling couple
A kind hearted Malaysian, lelaki_tersakiti84, has captured the hearts of thousands after sharing an unexpected encounter while withdrawing money at an ATM. He shared in a Threads post that he overheard a conversation between a husband and wife. With a heavy voice, the wife said to her husband: 'What should we do, my salary hasn't come in yet. The baby's milk and diapers are almost finished.' The husband stayed silent, started the motorcycle, and they rode off. Moments later, he bumped into the couple again at a convenience store. They were carefully choosing the smallest and cheapest packet of milk and a pack of diapers. At the counter, the wife even asked if diapers were sold individually to save costs, only to be told no. They then dug through their wallets for loose change to pay. READ MORE: Kind Malay man saves dogs abandoned in gunny sacks 'I felt a jolt in my heart,' he wrote. 'I told them to put the small packet back and get the largest one instead, along with a month's supply of diapers. 'At first, they refused, but I insisted. I told them, 'I won't be poor from giving your child milk and diapers.'' The wife was moved to tears. He reassured her, saying he too had once struggled and understood how it felt to not have enough for the basics. Before leaving, the couple offered to repay him when they got their salary, but he declined, asking only for their prayers for his long life and to be able to raise his child. He even slipped them extra cash 'just in case.' His encounter has since left many Malaysian netizens in tears, thanking him for his kindness. ALSO READ: M'sian woman shares heartwarming gesture by kind-hearted coffee shop employee 'No, I'm not crying, you are,' said @adrianajsmne. 'Thank you for sharing this story. I hope it inspires more people to give charity. May our good deeds help us in the afterlife. Amin,' commented @iznan_lil. 'When it comes to children, people in need, or elderly uncles and aunties working, my heart just becomes like tissue — easily moved,' said @srhmysrh.
Barnama
18 hours ago
- Barnama
Perak Plans To Establish Temporary Shelters For Stray Animals
IPOH, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- The Perak government plans to establish temporary shelters for stray animals to address the issue of abandoned animal populations. State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching said the state is working closely with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to identify suitable locations for the purpose. 'These shelters will be run by NGOs with the state facilitating the process at minimal cost, while we look for adoption centres and other solutions. 'The shelters will provide a place to care for stray animals, especially those involved in complaints. We hope more parties will continue to work with us,' she said at a press conference after officiating the 2025 Perak Pawsitive Initiative for the Kinta district here today. Earlier, the Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, graced the event's opening ceremony and visited the exhibition booths at the Malaysian Red Crescent Hall in Ipoh. Also present were the wife of Perak Menteri Besar, Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, and Ipoh Timur member of parliament Howard Lee Chuan How. Sandrea said the initiative is necessary as the growing population of stray animals is often linked to owners who do not neuter their pets, leading to unplanned litters and eventually abandoned animals that disrupt public order. 'As of April this year, the 15 local authorities in the state received 1,421 dog-related complaints, which shows the seriousness of the problem. The state hopes this awareness campaign will continue to gain momentum,' she said. She said the state government has conducted a subsidised neutering campaign, public awareness programmes through the Friends of Pawsitive Initiative platform, as well as photography and art competitions, and pet adoption drives to address the issue.
