Digitalisation of Orang Asli preschool education starts next year
GUA MUSANG: Orang Asli children will soon benefit from more modern educational facilities as efforts to digitalise preschool education will start next year, said the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor.
She said plans are underway to provide internet access at all kindergartens under the Community Development Department (Kemas) in Orang Asli settlements, including those in remote areas.
She said the initiative is part of the community's human capital development strategy within the next five years.
"At the Rural Development and Regional Development Ministry level, we are currently formulating a strategy to digitalise preschool education in Orang Asli settlements.
"Based on visits to several locations, we found that some kindergartens and educational institutions require special attention.
"Insya-Allah, we will provide the necessary facilities according to the scope and allocations under Jakoa," she told reporters during the Mesra Rakyat Programme in Kuala Wook, here.
Sapiah said there are 20 Kemas kindergartens in Kelantan and two in Terengganu located in Orang Asli settlements.
"We are working closely with Kemas to identify locations that should be prioritised, as internet access and communication coverage are key needs in remote areas," she said, adding that implementation will begin in the most hard-to-reach locations first.
– Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
13 hours ago
- The Sun
Orang Asli leaders honoured to attend Royal Tea at Istana Negara
KUALA LUMPUR: Two leaders from the Orang Asli community have spoken of their pride and gratitude after being invited to a Royal Tea Reception at Istana Negara, hosted in honour of the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. Mat Ajin Waya, the Tok Batin of Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Melut in Sepang, Selangor, said it was the first time in his nearly 30 years of service that he had stepped inside the national palace. 'This is the first I've visited Istana Negara. I even had the chance to shake hands and take a photo with the King. I feel truly honoured and proud to represent the Orang Asli community,' the 60-year-old village head told Bernama. Also attending was Marin Munggai, 53, chairperson of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Bangkong in Sungai Pelek, Selangor, who described the event as one of the most meaningful moments of his life. The two were among around 1,200 guests at the reception, held in the palace's main banquet hall. Other attendees included Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, foreign envoys and heads of government departments. Outstanding educators, national Olympic and Paralympic athletes, retired police and military personnel, national artists as well as students set to pursue higher education at leading institutions, including Harvard University, were also present.
New Straits Times
20 hours ago
- New Straits Times
MB: Kemas to serve as launchpad for Bangsa Johor pilot schools
KLUANG: Johor has begun aligning Kemas preschools as feeder institutions for the state's flagship Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ), a move that marks a major shift in early childhood education. Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the alignment will involve curriculum coordination, particularly the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) elements. "This transformation will elevate Johor's preschool education to a more competitive and future-ready level," he said after the Kemas Johor 2025 Madani Community Empowerment Programme launch at Dewan Muafakat in Simpang Renggam here yesterday (June 3). More than 1,500 Kemas EMAS personnel from across the state attended the event. The Bangsa Johor pilot school initiative, launched in 2022, aims to create a holistic and identity-driven education system tailored for Johor students. SRBJ schools emphasise unity, academic excellence and values-based learning rooted in local identity. To support the integration effort, the Johor government allocated RM1.5 million to upgrade Kemas-operated preschools and kindergartens, with another RM1.8 million channelled into the Iqra' and Fardu Ain programme to strengthen religious education. Onn Hafiz also presented the Kemas Outstanding Educator Award to two long-serving educators for their contribution to early childhood development in the state. "Johor remains committed to shaping a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also rooted in values," he said. Kemas preschools are part of the early childhood education programme offered by the Community Development Department in the country. They provide early education for children aged 4 to 6 years, preparing them for primary school, and fostering social and communication skills. Kemas also operates nurseries for children aged 2 to 4.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Digitalisation of Orang Asli preschool education starts next year
GUA MUSANG: Orang Asli children will soon benefit from more modern educational facilities as efforts to digitalise preschool education will start next year, said the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) director-general Datuk Sapiah Mohd Nor. She said plans are underway to provide internet access at all kindergartens under the Community Development Department (Kemas) in Orang Asli settlements, including those in remote areas. She said the initiative is part of the community's human capital development strategy within the next five years. "At the Rural Development and Regional Development Ministry level, we are currently formulating a strategy to digitalise preschool education in Orang Asli settlements. "Based on visits to several locations, we found that some kindergartens and educational institutions require special attention. "Insya-Allah, we will provide the necessary facilities according to the scope and allocations under Jakoa," she told reporters during the Mesra Rakyat Programme in Kuala Wook, here. Sapiah said there are 20 Kemas kindergartens in Kelantan and two in Terengganu located in Orang Asli settlements. "We are working closely with Kemas to identify locations that should be prioritised, as internet access and communication coverage are key needs in remote areas," she said, adding that implementation will begin in the most hard-to-reach locations first. – Bernama
