Sibu workshop helps Bahasa Iban teachers use AI in lessons
Chambai (second from left) presenting a workshop certificate to a participant. With him are (from right) Nicola and Ricky.
TO MAKE Bahasa Iban more appealing to students, the Sibu branch of the Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU) has called on educators to use modern technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI), in teaching the language.
SDNU chairman Chambai Lindong said teaching techniques had come a long way from the traditional chalk-and-blackboard methods used in the past.
He was speaking at the closing ceremony of a three-day SDNU Sibu workshop organised by the Education Ministry (MOE) and Sarawak Education Department.
'The workshop was held to introduce and share skills as well as best practices for incorporating AI tools in Bahasa Iban lessons in today's digital era,' said Chambai.
The programme, he said, also aimed to enhance students' interest in learning Bahasa Iban.
'Using interactive videos and apps can make learning more engaging and enjoyable.
'While animations might be complex, simple videos and visual aids can definitely spark interest in the language.'
Chambai also urged teachers to take part in similar initiatives run by MOE or non-governmental organisations.
'Holding such programmes isn't easy due to challenges such as limited funding and resources.
'Nevertheless, I hope other SDNU branches and Dayak associations across Sarawak will work with the relevant partners in hosting similar activities, especially to promote and strengthen the Iban language,' he added.
Chambai expressed gratitude to Senator Robert Lau Hui Yew for contributing funds that helped make the workshop possible.
He said the SDNU Sibu branch was keeping pace with digital developments by integrating AI into various initiatives.
The workshop drew 39 teachers from primary schools and eight teachers from secondary schools in Sibu.
Also present at the workshop were Sarawak Education Department assistant director (learning sector) Ricky Adon Chuat, MOE Educational Technology Division assistant director Nicola Sigat and SDNU Sibu vice-chairman and education bureau head Johnady Janton.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Don't be rivals with each other, Dayak associations in Kapit told
Ugak (fifth left) beats the gong to officiate the celebration, witnessed by Nanta (centre). KAPIT (May 19): Dayak associations and organisations in Kapit should not compete but cooperate instead with each other when organising events for their community, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said that if any of the organisations were organising the annual Gawai Dayak celebration, the others should give their full support to ensure a successful event. 'In Kapit, we have DUBS (Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak), SDNU (Sarawak Dayak National Union), SIDS (Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak), OUNA (Orang Ulu National Association) and so on. 'I am giving this advice (to cooperate) because lately, I have been told there is a bit of rivalry due to jealousy among them in organising Gawai Dayak Dinner, with some not showing a keen interest to cooperate with the organiser. 'My advice is not to have this negative attitude because it is hurting you (associations) more and creating disunity. We want the Dayak community to progress—but if we don't unite, how can we progress?' he said during the 'Pengerami Mata Gawai Dayak Kapit 2025' celebration held at the Kapit Civic Centre on Saturday. Nanta (fourth right) leads the toast for the celebration. Nanta was the patron of the event, which was organised by DUBS Kapit branch and attended by some 800 participants. On this year's Gawai celebration theme 'AI Digital Technology Uplifts Economic Prosperity', he said it was apt as the Dayak community was already aware of and embracing modern technology. 'We are seeing digital technology as part of the vision and promotion of traditional costumes and (Dayak) practices, so it shows we are aware of the need to step forward with the times during this modern era of AI technology.' On a separate matte, Nanta informed that the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) on May 14 had organised the Lab Malaysian Plan 13 in Kuching. He said a total of 223 projects, programmes and proposals with an expected cost of over RM20 billion were identified during the Urda Sub-Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the lab. 'The lab brought together various stakeholders to discuss in more detail the proposed development projects in the Urda area, which covers Song, Kapit, Bukit Goram and Belaga District and to refine the scope and cost of the shortlisted projects so they are in line with the real needs of the rural folk.' Also present was Digital Deputy Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, a political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai, who was the event's organising chairman, and Kapit Resident Elvis Didit. alexander nanta linggi Dayak associations event organisers lead rivalry
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Don't be rivals with each other, Dayak assocs in Kapit told
Ugak (fifth left) beats the gong to officiate the celebration, witnessed by Nanta (centre). KAPIT (May 19): Dayak associations and organisations in Kapit should not compete but cooperate instead with each other when organising events for their community, said Works Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. He said that if any of the organisations were organising the annual Gawai Dayak celebration, the others should give their full support to ensure a successful event. 'In Kapit, we have DUBS (Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak), SDNU (Sarawak Dayak National Union), SIDS (Sarakup Induk Dayak Sarawak), OUNA (Orang Ulu National Association) and so on. 'I am giving this advice (to cooperate) because lately, I have been told there is a bit of rivalry due to jealousy among them in organising Gawai Dayak Dinner, with some not showing a keen interest to cooperate with the organiser. 'My advice is not to have this negative attitude because it is hurting you (associations) more and creating disunity. We want the Dayak community to progress—but if we don't unite, how can we progress?' he said during the 'Pengerami Mata Gawai Dayak Kapit 2025' celebration held at the Kapit Civic Centre on Saturday. Nanta (fourth right) leads the toast for the celebration. Nanta was the patron of the event, which was organised by DUBS Kapit branch and attended by some 800 participants. On this year's Gawai celebration theme 'AI Digital Technology Uplifts Economic Prosperity', he said it was apt as the Dayak community was already aware of and embracing modern technology. 'We are seeing digital technology as part of the vision and promotion of traditional costumes and (Dayak) practices, so it shows we are aware of the need to step forward with the times during this modern era of AI technology.' On a separate matte, Nanta informed that the Upper Rajang Development Agency (Urda) on May 14 had organised the Lab Malaysian Plan 13 in Kuching. He said a total of 223 projects, programmes and proposals with an expected cost of over RM20 billion were identified during the Urda Sub-Committee Meeting that was held in conjunction with the lab. 'The lab brought together various stakeholders to discuss in more detail the proposed development projects in the Urda area, which covers Song, Kapit, Bukit Goram and Belaga District and to refine the scope and cost of the shortlisted projects so they are in line with the real needs of the rural folk.' Also present was Digital Deputy Minister Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, a political secretary to the Premier Watson Awan Jalai, who was the event's organising chairman, and Kapit Resident Elvis Didit. alexander nanta linggi Dayak associations event organisers lead rivalry
The Star
17-05-2025
- The Star
Minister shares Brunei's strategic directions
Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Romaizah Mohd Salleh in a group photo at the 7th Apec Education Ministers Meeting in Jeju, South Korea. - Photo: MOE BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Romaizah Mohd Salleh attending the 7th Apec Education Ministers Meeting (7th AEMM) from May 13 to 15 at the International Convention Centre, Jeju, South Korea shared Brunei Darussalam's strategic directions and initiatives such as the Ministry of Education (MoE) Digital Transformation Plan 2023-2027, the School Network Infrastructure Upgrade (SNIU) and the national AI training programme for educators. She also highlighted Brunei Darussalam's involvement in regional initiatives including the APEC Digital Education Policy Training (Adept) Programme, which has facilitated knowledge exchange, addressed digital learning gaps and supported the co-development of strategies to enhance teacher capacity. As part of the meeting agenda, Dr Romaizah also visited Seogwi Jungang Girls' Middle School in Jeju, where AI-based, digital and global competency education is being implemented. The study visit provided valuable insights into Korea's future-ready education practices. Accompanying Dr Romaizah were Deputy Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the MoE Dr Chin Wei Keh and officials from the MoE. The 7th AEMM is the highest-level platform for discussing education policy within the APEC region. Typically held every four years, the meeting marked its return after a nine-year hiatus since the 6th AEMM in Peru in 2016. A total of 20 out of 21 ministers or representatives from APEC member economies attended the meeting focused on the challenges and strategic directions for the future of education. The meeting also served as a platform to exchange insights and best practices in educational innovation, address challenges in the digital era, and explore opportunities for stronger regional cooperation. South Korea, as Chair of Apec 2025, aimed to advance inclusive and resilient education across the region. Themed 'Bridging Educational Gaps and Promoting Inclusive Growth in the Era of Digital Transformation', the meeting was officiated by Acting President, Deputy Prime Minister and South Korea's Minister of Education Lee Ju-Ho. In his remarks, Lee Ju-Ho stressed the importance of addressing emerging challenges, particularly the transformative impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as climate change and socio-economic divergence. He also underlined Apec's role in navigating global issues – from financial crises to health emergencies – through cooperation and solidarity. Apec ministers of education shared insights and best practices on key sub-themes including transformation and personalised education innovation, educational cooperation and expanding access to opportunities, as well as strengthening quality education and sustainable economic growth. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
