Latest news with #MEITD
The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak approves effort to boost bilingual proficiency
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will begin implementing a standardised assessment for the Dual Language Programme (DLP) based on international standards of Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUP&A) for Year Six students in October. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the Education Ministry has granted approval for the Sarawak education, innovation and talent development ministry (MEITD) to collaborate with Cambridge University to roll out the initiative. 'This DLP programme will be reviewed and validated by Cambridge University Press and Assessment to ensure its implementation aligns with international standards,' he said in a statement issued by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit yesterday. The announcement follows the signing of a service contract between CUP&A and Swinburne Innovation Malaysia (SWIM) in Cambridge on Wednesday. The event was part of the premier's working visit to the United Kingdom, which began on Tuesday. Jane Mann, managing director of Partnerships for Education at CUP&A, represented the Cambridge side, while SWIM was represented by its chief executive officer George Ngui, Bernama reported. According to Abang Johari, the programme would follow the national curriculum utilising Bahasa Malaysia as the primary medium, while English would serve as the secondary medium for assessment based on Cambridge's international syllabus. Swinburne University, a strategic partner in the initiative, would work alongside Cambridge to implement the assessments in Sarawak. 'This initiative aims to produce students proficient in both languages, thereby equipping them to pursue higher education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,' he added. The premier also noted that MEITD is collaborating with Cambridge University to develop a range of high-quality bilingual programmes and scholarship opportunities to allow Sarawakian students to pursue studies in emerging strategic economic sectors. He added that both parties had agreed to facilitate the placement of qualified Sarawakian students from international school systems in world-renowned institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Oxford and the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, as well as Harvard University in the United States. 'Sarawak is targeting a special quota of 10 placements for outstanding students in selected fields,' Abang Johari added.
The Sun
24-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
SMD launches contest to tap Sarawakian talent in IC design
KUCHING: Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor has launched the Inaugural SMD IC Design Competition 2025 to nurture local talent in integrated circuit (IC) design and position Sarawak as an emerging player in the global semiconductor industry. In a statement, SMD said the competition kicked off with a five-day bootcamp held recently at the SMD Academy in Kota Samarahan, involving eight teams representing Curtin University Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, University of Technology Sarawak and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak. 'Over the course of 14 months, teams will design, fabricate (tape-out) and test ICs that meet high standards of performance and energy efficiency,' the statement said. The competition is supported by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Sarawak and aligns with the state's Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which aims to build a skilled, innovation-driven workforce. Chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the initiative reflects confidence in the intelligence found in Sarawak, particularly among the untapped potential of its youth and their ability to shape the future of technology. 'We are proud to work alongside our foundry partner X-Fab Sarawak, for the chip fabrication, and we appreciate the generous support of MEITD in empowering the next generation of IC designers,' he said. Throughout the competition, teams will progress through multiple evaluation phases, focusing on design methodology, performance, layout quality and testing outcomes. Top-performing teams will be recognised at an awards ceremony in June 2026, reinforcing the development of a strong talent pipeline for Sarawak's semiconductor ecosystem. Incorporated in September 2022, SMD is a wholly owned company of the Sarawak government through the State Financial Secretary Incorporation. It serves as the state's boutique fabless chip design house, specialising in designing analogue and mixed signal integrated circuits or chips. Its mission is to design sustainable, future-defining semiconductors and transform Sarawak into the silicon nerve centre of Asia.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Homegrown tech platform Metadise aims to drive Sarawak's digital leap forward
Anielia flashes a thumbs-up while trying out the Metadise Sim Racing simulator, while Gan (first right) and members of the Metadise team look on. KUCHING (May 17): Metadise Sdn Bhd (Metadise), a homegrown tech company focused on immersive virtual platforms and digital talent development, was officially launched at The Podium today , signifying a major boost to Sarawak's growing digital innovation ecosystem. The launch was officiated by Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Anielia Siam, who represented MEITD Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. In a speech read on his behalf, Roland described Metadise as 'a testament to Sarawak-born innovation.' 'As a pioneering metaverse platform, it opens new possibilities in immersive experiences, from education and tourism to commerce and culture. 'Built on local creativity and ambition, it exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking solutions that will drive us into the next phase of digital transformation,' he said. Metadise chief executive officer James Gan shared that the company had recently been awarded a digital grant from the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, which will accelerate its mission in building high-impact digital solutions for Sarawak and beyond. 'This grant is not the destination, it is a responsibility. 'A commitment to walk the talk, and to deliver real, measurable impact on the ground,' he said. Gan delivering his speech at the launch of Metadise Sdn Bhd. – Photo by Chimon Upon Gan also highlighted initiatives under the Metadise Electronic Sport Club, including the flagship Metadise Sim Racing programme, which fuses simulation technology, skills training, and youth engagement. 'All of these efforts are designed under the HRDCorp (Human Resource Development Corporation Malaysia) framework, ensuring alignment with national talent development goals, while staying grounded in local Sarawakian needs,' he added. Guests were treated to a preview of Metadise Smart Reality (MSR) and a tour of the Metadise Academy, showcasing the platform's potential in interactive education, tourism, and e-commerce through immersive 3D (three-dimensional) environments. A highlight of the launch was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Metadise and key partners, which are FAME International College, Xturn Ventures, Taiwan and Kenal Limited Holdings, Hong Kong. These partnerships are aimed at advancing metaverse integration, education innovation, and the digital arts across local and international networks. The event also had Lucky Draw, DJ performance, and networking session, making the grand launching a well-rounded celebration of innovation, collaboration, and future possibilities for Sarawak's digital economy. For more information, visit digital innovation Metadise metaverse Roland Sagah Wee Inn
Malay Mail
11-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Sarawak Museum's digital preservation project to spotlight Kuching's historic buildings
KUCHING, May 11 — The Sarawak Museum Department has announced plans to collaborate with PCSS Consultancy Sdn Bhd in digitally preserving several of the state's historic buildings in Kuching. This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to safeguard Sarawak's rich architectural and cultural heritage using modern technological solutions. According to PCSS Consultancy's director of professional services Andy Tiong, preliminary discussions are underway, with the works expected to commence within the next one to two months. The partnership will begin by developing a comprehensive preservation programme focused on selected heritage structures, such as the old post office and former court buildings. 'Part of the plan includes the creation of numerous digital maps and models to be showcased at the Borneo Cultures Museum in the future,' he said, adding that all data and digital materials generated through the initiative would be handed over to the Sarawak Museum Department. Tiong shared these insights at the closing ceremony of 'Timeless Treasures: The Legacy of Old Hokkien School and Darul Kurnia' programme, held at Plaza Merdeka here yesterday. According to him, the digital programme is fully funded by the State Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) and conducted in collaboration with Kuching Community College. 'The upcoming conservation initiative, on the other hand, will be funded by the Sarawak Museum Department,' he added. Tiong also spoke about the just-completed documentation of the Old Hokkien School and Darul Kurnia buildings, stating that both structures remained structurally sound and required only minor refurbishments. 'These sites may be repurposed as creative spaces for exhibitions or innovation showcases,' he said. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
S'wak education ministry calls for heritage sites to be documented for future generations
Donald (seated, centre) and other guests join the participants for a photo-call. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 10): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has urged for the documentation of heritage buildings like the Old Hokkien School and Darul Kurnia to be preserved in the form of technical reports, journals, digital exhibitions, or archived at the state level for future reference. Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn made this call during the closing ceremony of the 'Timeless Treasures: The Legacy of Old Hokkien School & Darul Kurnia' exhibition at Plaza Merdeka today. 'These documentation efforts can serve as valuable references for future planning and research,' he said, represented by MEITD's Education Division head Donald Henry Nohed. The three-day exhibition, running from May 9 to 11, showcased heritage documentation work carried out by third-semester students of the Certificate in Architectural Technology from Kolej Komuniti Kuching. Supported by strategic partner PCSS Consultancy Sdn Bhd, the project involved on-site data collection and architectural drawing of historical buildings. Sagah commended the effort, which aligned with Sarawak's vision to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as provided students with real-world, project-based learning experiences. 'This initiative not only offers hands-on exposure to students, but also nurtures a deeper sense of responsibility towards preserving our state's heritage. 'It reflects the government's commitment to making education more contextual, practical, and problem-solving oriented,' he said. Additionally, Sagah also emphasised that heritage is not merely about physical remnants from the past, but a manifestation of identity, culture, and collective history. 'Structures like the Old Hokkien School and Darul Kurnia symbolise Sarawak's multicultural legacy and the evolution of its educational and social fabric,' he said. As such, he encouraged the expansion of such programmes to other heritage sites across Sarawak, noting that hundreds of old buildings remain undocumented and are at risk of being lost over time. Sagah also congratulated all stakeholders, including Kolej Komuniti Kuching, PCSS Consultancy, participating students, and the local community, for their contributions to the success of the programme. 'With this kind of collaborative effort, we are laying a strong foundation for educating the younger generation to appreciate and preserve our heritage,' he said. The exhibition is part of an ongoing initiative to integrate historical exploration with technical education, fostering stronger ties between educational institutions, industries, and local communities. MEITD preserve heritage sites Roland Sagah
