Layar education group backs Sagah's emphasis on STEM for rural communities
KUCHING (July 27): Layar Education Development Committee (LEDC) chairman Paul Langgang has voiced his full support for the call to action from State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for the rural communities.
'There is no doubt that Sarawak's rural communities must embrace Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in order to be fully prepared for the state's future development,' said Paul.
'Equally important is the ability to address the language of STEM, which is why we have initiated the Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025, scheduled to take place from Sept 17 to 19, 2025, at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre (HEEC) in Kuching.'
Paul also pointed out that SELC 2025 is HRD Corp claimable, making it an accessible professional development opportunity for both educators and employers.
He made this remarks during a recent SELC 2025 Steering Committee meeting. The conference is jointly organised by LEDC and Place Borneo Sdn Bhd, with the collaboration of educational partners including Jolly Learning and STEM Learning UK.
Sagah had made the call at the STEM Catalysts Raspberry Pi 2025 programme held at SMK Long Lama, Baram, recently, asserting that it was no longer acceptable to say that the 3Rs—reading, writing, and arithmetic—are enough for rural children.
'Our future depends on our ability to master science, technology, and digital knowledge. You too can excel in coding and STEM regardless of your location,' he said.
SELC 2025 will convene renowned international education experts to support Sarawak's mission of strengthening English literacy and STEM education in schools.
Among the featured speakers is Gilbert Jolly, Managing Director of Jolly Learning, the UK-based publisher behind the globally acclaimed Jolly Phonics programme.
He has been instrumental in expanding the reach of phonics-based learning tools in classrooms worldwide and will share insights on their global impact and the future of phonics in literacy education.
Also speaking at the event is Sarah Dagnell, a professional development leader with STEM Learning UK.
With over a decade of experience in primary science education, Sarah specialises in helping schools and teachers enhance STEM outcomes through curriculum design, training, and evidence-based teaching strategies.
SELC 2025 aims to equip educators with innovative teaching strategies, aligned with Sarawak's Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy, to build a future-ready workforce.
The conference is expected to draw participants from across Malaysia and the region.
It is supported by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, the Sarawak State Education Department, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak Branch, whose contributions reflect a strong and collective commitment to advancing education in Sarawak.
Registration is now open, with standard rates set at RM890.92 for Malaysian delegates and USD300 for international participants.
Outstation teachers may also apply for a special subsidy extended by MEITD through LEDC and Place Borneo, subject to terms and conditions for eligibility.
Eligible participants may also tap into the Geran Tahunan Khas offered by the Ministry of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development.
For more information and registration details, visit www.selconference.com or contact Mr Emierson at +6082 555 189 or [email protected]. lead Paul Langgang rural communities SELC STEM
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
5 hours ago
- Daily Express
Yong: Scrap tax rule on NGOs
Published on: Thursday, August 07, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 07, 2025 Text Size: Yong pointing at the Practice Note 1/2025 at the LHDN website. Kota Kinabalu: The Government is strongly urged to rescind its move to tax the fundraising activities of community organisations and associations because the funds raised by them and other voluntary bodies are badly needed for the associations' own needs. The new tax rule is also causing confusion, distress and anxiety to society and community leaders, said former Chief Minister Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee. Advertisement The Practice Note 1/2025, issued on March 24 by the Inland Revenue Department, extended the definition of taxable person as a 'body of persons' that includes community associations. 'I echo the views of Tan Sri T.C. Goh, President of the Gabungan Persatuan Cina Sabah (HuaZhong), that this new tax will create unnecessary burden for 10 of thousands of active NGOS nationwide. 'Any excess from fundraising activities is not for commercial purposes but for long-term community programmes.' Non-compliance could expose community leaders to criminal charges, Yong said. Advertisement He said adding to the burden of yet another new tax is the scary hazard of having to comply with new tax regulations because any misstep or mistake or non-compliance, however unintended, could expose the association leaders to criminal charges of tax evasion. 'It is a fact that most, if not all, associations cannot afford the professional services of accountants and auditors and tax planners. 'Associations leaders consist mainly of selfless people who spend their own time and money on social and community service,' said Yong who is Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) President. He said community fundraising itself is already a very arduous task, with community leaders literally having to beg sponsors. 'The community leaders and sponsors are the same ordinary business people who have recently been hit by SST (Sales and Services tax), e-invoicing on all transactions and stamp duties on employment contracts. 'In spite of optimistic statements coming from ministers, the reality is that the business environment is subdued. 'Ministers, please do something. Our elected representatives and Ministers who have been accorded VIP treatment at association functions should speak up and do something before even more damage is inflicted on community organisations and the welfare of society,' Yong said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Yong: New tax rule on associations should be rescinded
Yong pointing at the Practice Note 1/2025 at the LHDN website. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 6): The government is strongly urged to rescind its move to tax the fundraising activities of community organisations and associations because the funds raised by the organisations and associations and other voluntary bodies are badly needed for their own needs. Former chief minister Datuk Yong Teck Lee said the new tax rule is also causing confusion, distress and anxiety to society and community leaders. He said the Practice Note 1/2025, issued on March 24 by the Inland Revenue Department, extended the definition of taxable person as a 'body of persons' that includes community associations. 'I echo the views of Tan Sri T.C. Goh, president of the Gabungan Persatuan Cina Sabah (HuaZhong), that this new tax will create unnecessary burden for ten of thousands of active NGOs nationwide, where any excess from fundraising activities is not for commercial purposes but for long-term community programmes,' he said in a statement on Wednesday. Adding to the burden of yet another new tax is the scary hazard of having to comply with new tax regulations because any misstep or mistake or non-compliance, however unintended, could expose the association leaders to criminal charges of tax evasion, he pointed out. 'It is a fact that most, if not all, associations cannot afford the professional services of accountants and auditors and tax planners. 'Association leaders consist mainly of selfless people who spend their own time and money on social and community service. 'Community fundraising itself is already a very arduous task, with community leaders literally having to beg sponsors. The community leaders and sponsors are the same ordinary business people who have recently been hit by SST (Sales and Services Tax), e-invoicing on all transactions and stamp duties on employment contracts. In spite of optimistic statements coming from ministers, the reality is that the business environment is subdued,' he added. Yong, who is the president of Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), called on elected representatives and ministers who have been accorded VIP treatment at association functions to speak up and do something before even more damage is inflicted on community organisations and the welfare of society.
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
HPPNK 2025 draws over 300,000 visitors, RM76 Million in sales, boosts Sabah's agro potential
Mohamad Sabu (centre) speaking at the press conference. Arthur is at left. KOTA KINABALU (Aug 6): The National Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day (HPPNK) 2025 held in Sabah on August 1-3 has significantly boosted the state's profile in the agriculture sector, drawing over 300,000 visitors and generating more than RM76 million in sales. Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the event — held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of HPPNK — attracted strong participation from 130 agro-based entrepreneurs and drew visitors from Sarawak, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines. 'This year's event is a testament to Sabah's growing role in the nation's agri-food sector. We've seen tremendous interest and economic impact,' he said during a press conference on Sunday. Among the wide array of products showcased were local snacks, cooking pastes, frozen goods, traditional drinks, herbal and botanical items, agricultural inputs and Sabah-grown coffee. Mohamad Sabu also announced that 14 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and strategic agreements had been involving a total of RM526 million in investments across the agriculture, fisheries and energy sectors. He confirmed that his ministry will host the Malaysia Agricultural, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) next year, alongside a smaller-scale version of HPPNK, in view of this year's milestone celebration. 'Now, we are seeing more people, especially the youth, becoming successful in agriculture. My ministry will continue efforts to show them this can be a lucrative and fulfilling field,' he said, adding that more youths from Sabah are entering the industry and inspiring others. In his speech earlier, Mohamad Sabu outlined four key focus areas of HPPNK 2025, aimed at driving structural and cultural shifts in Malaysia's agriculture sector: 1. Agro Millennia – Designed to empower youth through education, training, career development, and access to government support including grants and entrepreneurial guidance. 2. Sufficient and Guaranteed – Focused on strengthening the agro-food ecosystem through technology and sustainable practices to boost productivity and food security. 3. Madani Prosperity – Emphasising the central role of farmers, breeders and fishermen in domestic production to reduce reliance on imports. 4. Sales and Entrepreneurship – A strategic platform to promote local agro-food products and expand market reach, including international exposure.
