Latest news with #Let'sReadTogetherfor10Minutes'
Daily Express
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
‘Libraries still popular choice for students'
Published on: Friday, April 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Apr 25, 2025 By: Mardinah Jikur Text Size: Harun, Dalmansa, George and the attendees reading books for 10 minutes during the event which was held simultaneously nationwide. KINABATANGAN: Libraries continue to be a popular choice for obtaining information, particularly for students seeking educational resources. Assistant Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (KSTI), Datuk Harun Durabi, said this is evident from the steady number of visitors to libraries across the State. 'Despite the world moving rapidly towards new technologies, libraries remain relevant,' he said. Harun made the statement when speaking to the media after officiating the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme and the closing ceremony of the 2025 Sabah State-Level Gempak Literacy Carnival, held at the Kinabatangan Branch of the State Library on Wednesday. He was representing his Minister, Datuk Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif. Also present were the Director of Sabah State Library, George Yih Ching Yaw, Kinabatangan District Education Officer Dr. Dalmansa Tahil, Lamag Community Development Leader Johainizamshah Johari, school students and representatives from various departments and agencies. Harun encouraged libraries across the State to maintain productivity and creativity in line with current technological advancements. He added that KSTI remains committed to ensuring students have continued access to relevant technologies. Commenting on the 10-minute reading initiative, Harun said the programme is an effective way to spark students' and the public's interest in reading, while enriching their knowledge. Earlier, when delivering the speech on behalf of Minister Arifin, He congratulated the Sabah State Library (PNS) for its dedicated efforts in organising the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme, held simultaneously across Malaysia today under the theme 'Enjoy the Moment', and the first-ever Sabah State-Level Gempak Literacy Carnival 2025. Among the key collaborators were the Sabah State Education Department, Petrosains Playsmart, and various other departments and agencies. 'This initiative is crucial in strengthening the reading culture among Malaysians, especially in Sabah,' he said. 'The 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme not only aims to cultivate a reading habit, but also promotes a culture of knowledge that has a positive impact on our lives – aligning with the nation's goal to build an informed and educated society.' The Gempak Literacy Carnival 2025, which ran from April 19 to 21, carried the theme 'One Carnival, One Inspiration'. More than just a slogan, it brought together various communities, cultures, knowledge and talents on a single platform. Harun described the carnival as a progressive initiative by the Sabah State Library to make literacy a key agenda in community development. 'The concept of this carnival is not limited to reading activities alone. It includes a range of events that promote unity, culture, morals, and recreation – offering the community opportunities to explore and develop their potential,' he said. 'This is a great example of how literacy extends beyond just reading – it also involves practical skills with economic potential, such as handicraft making,' he added. The carnival involved five key districts in Sabah: Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Telupid, Beluran and Lahad Datu. This collaboration symbolises strong unity and cooperation among local communities. Harun expressed confidence that the carnival would significantly contribute to fostering a reading culture across Sabah. 'By involving multiple districts, this event offers more people the chance to participate in various activities, enrich their experiences, and strengthen the overall reading culture in Sabah,' he said. Earlier, George noted that literacy is not just about interest in reading materials, but is a core element in developing a knowledgeable, critically thinking, and future-ready society. 'Literacy also plays a vital role in shaping character, decision-making skills, and the ability to recognise and make the most of opportunities around us,' he said. This year, the Kinabatangan Branch of the Sabah State Library was selected as the venue for the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme and the closing ceremony of the State-Level Gempak Literacy Carnival. George said the selection was significant, as the branch is newly established and holds great potential for expanding access to knowledge, particularly for rural communities. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * 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
23-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Reading key to lifelong learning, national progress, says S'wak minister
Dr Annuar (front row, centre) poses for a group photo during the programme. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (April 23): Reading should be empowered as a strategy to cultivate lifelong learning, said Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. He said a reading culture not only nurtures a knowledge-loving society, but also produces individuals who are well-prepared to face future challenges. 'A reading habit is vital not only within formal education systems such as schools and higher learning institutions, but also plays a major role in informal learning within the community. 'Lifelong learning is especially important in an ever-evolving world. Through reading, we can stay abreast of developments across various fields including learning about new technologies and acquiring the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape,' he said. Sagah's speech was delivered by his deputy Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at the launch of the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme and Hari Raya gathering today. The event held at the Sarawak State Library (Pustaka Negeri) was also attended by Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang and Pustaka Negeri chief executive officer Japri Bujang Masli. Sagah added reading is also fundamental to a nation's progress, as it broadens knowledge, enhances critical thinking and opens minds to new ideas. 'A reading society is one that continuously seeks knowledge and innovation, driving sustainable economic and social development. 'Reading not only supports personal growth but also contributes to the development of the wider community. 'By reading, we can understand diverse perspectives, learn from the experiences of others, and develop more mature, wise, and balanced thinking,' he said. Meanwhile, Japri in his speech said that libraries play a vital role in nurturing a reading culture as institutions of knowledge and national heritage. 'Libraries are not merely centres for disseminating information but also serve as community empowerment hubs that inspire innovation, creativity, and the development of human potential through literacy. 'They are places where people of all ages—from children to senior citizens—can access information and knowledge,' he said. He added that libraries help foster an informed, critical, and innovative society, ultimately contributing to national well-being and development. In Malaysia, the spirit of reading is continuously fostered through the annual Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes campaign, organised by the Council of Directors of Public Libraries Malaysia and the National Library of Malaysia, with support from various government and private agencies. On April 23 each year, the public is encouraged to spend 10 minutes reading a book. This year's theme is 'Nikmati Saat Ini' (Savour this moment). Last year, a total of 9,729,534 individuals participated in the programme nationwide, including 376,969 participants from Sarawak. dr annuar rapaee reading Roland Sagah
Borneo Post
23-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to prioritise laptop aid under Yayasan Sarawak over book vouchers for students starting 2026
Dr Annuar says the move follows growing demand for laptops among students. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (April 23): The Sarawak government will prioritise implementing the laptop assistance scheme for students in the state over the free book voucher programme starting next year. State Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the move follows growing demand for laptops among students. 'In Sarawak, we provide both laptop assistance and book vouchers. However, statistics show that more students are applying for laptops than book vouchers. 'Therefore, I propose we temporarily suspend the book voucher scheme and focus instead on providing laptops beginning next year, as the demand is significantly higher,' he said. He said this at the launch of the 'Let's Read Together for 10 Minutes' programme and Hari Raya gathering at the Sarawak State Library here today, where he represented Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. Dr Annuar also encouraged students to continue cultivating a reading habit, stressing it is the key to academic success. 'To all students in particular, I want to emphasise that there are no shortcuts to gaining knowledge. We must keep reading and expanding our understanding. We shouldn't stop reading once we think we know enough—we must continue to read in order to grow our knowledge. 'In fact, leaders too should practise reading regularly, as those who read widely tend to generate new ideas to advance the nation. On the other hand, leaders who do not read only speak in rhetoric without facts,' he said. Previously, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced the state government's decision to replace the free book voucher initiative with laptop vouchers. He said the decision was based on feedback from last year's book voucher programme, which revealed that students were more inclined to opt for laptop assistance. The laptop and book voucher schemes are carried out through Yayasan Sarawak and are open to Sarawakian students pursuing higher education at public or private institutions, with household incomes of RM1,500 or below. dr annuar rapaee laptop assistance scheme students
