Latest news with #Sarawak-level
The Sun
19-05-2025
- The Sun
Child Protection Advocacy Programme to be held at rural and urban schools
LUNDU: The locations for the implementation of the Child Protection Advocacy Programme: KASIH Kanak-Kanak in educational institutions nationwide this year will comprehensively include both rural and urban schools, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She said the programme not only aims to raise awareness among students but also the surrounding community on issues of child abuse and neglect. 'It also targets adults, to help them understand the different forms of abuse, which are not limited to physical harm. In addition, children will learn to recognise elements of domestic abuse in the home and be encouraged to report such incidents through the available channels. 'School students will also be informed of their rights as individuals – for example, their right not to be harmed,' she told reporters after the launch of the Sarawak-level 2025 KASIH Kanak-Kanak Child Protection Advocacy Programme here today. Earlier, it was reported that the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development, through the Social Welfare Department, would continue the advocacy programme in 300 schools and 30 Children's Activity Centres across the country this year. Nancy urged the public to memorise the Talian Kasih helpline, which is available 24 hours a day through two platforms – the toll-free line 15999 and WhatsApp at 019-2615999 – for reporting abuse cases promptly. 'It is a collective responsibility. If a case of abuse involves someone close to us, we must immediately contact Talian Kasih so that counsellors can take further action,' she said.
Borneo Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak talent making waves in UK with groundbreaking AI chip
Abang Johari steps on the podium to officiate the Sarawak-level Workers' Day celebration. – Ukas Photo KUCHING (May 19): Sarawakians are proving they have what it takes to compete on the global stage especially in high-tech sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and engineering. One Sarawakian scientist is now leading a groundbreaking project in the United Kingdom to develop an AI-powered semiconductor chip capable of solving energy issues in under 10 seconds — a feat that has drawn praise even from the British government, according to Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the young scientist is currently based at a government-owned laboratory in Cardiff, Wales, UK. 'I have personally visited this laboratory, and the British government is impressed by the abilities of our Sarawakian. 'Not only did this young scientist create an AI-powered chip, but this chip can also be used to generate energy,' he said during his speech at the Sarawak-level Workers' Day celebration at the Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre here yesterday. The Premier said the scientist's achievement is a powerful example of what Sarawakians can achieve when given access to proper training and opportunities. 'I have informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim about this and told him that as soon as our international intellectual property rights are secured, we want this innovation to be launched. 'I told him that this is something we want to launch because it is the creation of our own homegrown talent,' he said. He also said that this achievement is in line with Sarawak's vision to become a high-income and technology-driven state, echoing the development path of several Nordic nations where high productivity is matched by efficient use of advanced technologies. 'We don't want an economy that incurs high costs but delivers low output. 'If technology can bring savings through efficiency and boost productivity, then offering higher salaries will not be a problem,' he said. On a related matter, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government has always taken a cautious and meticulous approach when implementing or amending laws, including the Sarawak Labour Ordinance. 'In accordance with international labour standards under the International Labour Organisation (ILO), we have harmonised the Employment Act 1955 with the Sarawak Labour Ordinance. 'We need to examine the legal details thoroughly because we must ensure that Sarawak's interests are not compromised. The Sarawak Labour Ordinance is part of MA63 so we must be vigilant in safeguarding the rights of Sarawakian workers under our own labour ordinance,' he said. He pointed out that if the state were to simply hand everything over, it could lead to the erosion of Sarawak's rights. 'That is why we in the government are cautious so that our rights are protected. 'I do not want a situation where one day people are saying that Abang Jo just gave it all away,' he said. After more than 20 years, the amended Sarawak Labour Ordinance finally came into force on May 1, allowing workers in Sarawak to have access to the same benefits as their counterparts in Peninsular Malaysia. Among the key changes in force include a seven-day paternity leave for male employees, an extension of maternity leave from 60 to 98 days, maximum weekly working hours reduced from 48 to 45 hours to ensure the better wellbeing and productivity of employees as well as enabling contract workers to benefit from stronger protections including fairer contract periods and access to employment benefits equivalent to permanent employees. Abang Johari Tun Openg artificial intelligence engineering
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak govt to fund full-time undergraduate studies for S'wakian workers
Abang Johari speaks during the press conference while joined by Dr Sim (seated right), Gerawat (seated left), Abu Bakar (third left), Yii (second right) and others. – Photo by Jude Toyat KUCHING (May 18): Sarawakian workers who wish to pursue full-time undergraduate studies will have the opportunity to do so next year, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the Sarawak government will fully sponsor higher education for eligible Sarawakians who choose to enrol in state-owned higher learning institutions as part of its broader goal to strengthen human capital through lifelong learning. 'We are serious about building our talent pool, which is why we are investing in free higher education for our people starting in 2026. 'I am not making empty promises. I have already secured the funds for this initiative and the Sarawak government will pay for the education. 'All you need to do is just focus on studying to upgrade your skills,' he said when officiating the Sarawak-level Workers' Day celebration at Hikmah Exchange Convention Centre here today. In addition to providing free tertiary education to students starting next year, Abang Johari said the state government has decided to allow working individuals or those who have been previously in the workforce to return for full-time studies. The state-owned higher learning institutions in Sarawak are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak. Later at a press conference, the Premier explained that financial support will be provided as long as the applicants meet the basic eligibility criteria namely that they must hold the 'K' status in their MyKad to prove that they are Sarawakians, be enrolled as full-time students, and are accepted to pursue their studies at the higher-learning institution. 'Yes, the education will be completely free. As long as the applicant is accepted by the university and registered as a full-time student, we will cover the costs. 'There is no age limit. Even if you are 60 years old, you can still apply, as long as you have the 'K' status,' he confirmed. He, however, noted that this initiative does not extend to those who wish to pursue Distance Learning (PJJ). 'PJJ is not covered. It must be full-time studies. If you are working and wish to study part-time through PJJ, it will not be covered. 'We are focusing on those who wish to commit to studying full-time,' he stressed. Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, State Secretary State Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala, and Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii. abang johari lead sarawakian sponsor undergraduate studies workers
Borneo Post
21-04-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
900,000 Sarawak students to receive Jalur Gemilang badges to foster patriotism
SMK Agama SHOAW students seen with their new Jalur Gemilang badges during the event. KUCHING (April 21): Approximately 900,000 students across Sarawak will receive Jalur Gemilang badges starting today (April 21), as part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Education to instil patriotism and national pride among students. State Education Director Omar Mahli said the initiative follows a federal directive requiring all students in schools under the Education Ministry to wear the national flag badge on their uniforms beginning today. The Sarawak-level launch of the initiative was held at the SMK Agama Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab (SHOAW) school hall in Taman Matang Jaya, officiated by Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. 'Today, only schools that were open, such as SMK Agama SHOAW, received the badges, as some schools in Sarawak remained closed due to Easter Sunday yesterday. We, however, held the launch today in line with the nationwide rollout of the initiative, which officially begins today. 'Although not all schools are open, around 900,000 students across Sarawak will eventually receive the badge,' added Omar when speaking to reporters at the school after the launching event. In his speech, Omar said the initiative covers all government and government-aided schools, matriculation colleges, and teacher education institutes nationwide. Omar (left) and Nancy (second right) seen with SMK Agama SHOAW students displaying the badges to attendees and members of the media during the event. Each student will receive two badges free of charge for the 2025/2026 school session. He explained that the badge, worn on the right side of the uniform parallel to the name tag, serves as a daily reminder of national identity and the core values of Malaysia Madani. 'This symbolic wearing of the Jalur Gemilang badge is a powerful gesture to instil national pride, unity, and responsibility among our students. It is not just a decorative piece—it represents our love and duty to our country. 'It reflects the noble aspirations of Malaysia Madani which is to build a nation founded on humanity, knowledge, and shared values 'So I urge students to wear the badge with pride and a sense of duty,' he said. Nancy seen speaking to reporters at SMK Agama SHOAW today. Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri echoed this sentiment in her remarks, commending SMK Agama SHOAW for being among the first schools in the state to launch the initiative. She expressed her full support for the programme, highlighting the importance of nurturing patriotism from a young age. 'Patriotic spirit often shines during international events, like when we hear the national anthem overseas,' she said. 'But many Malaysians still struggle to sing the anthem properly. As leaders, we must set an example.' Nancy urged parents to ensure their children wear the badge daily, stressing that such small actions reflect big values. 'This initiative reminds all Malaysians—not just students—of our shared identity. It's more than just wearing a badge; it's about cultivating discipline, unity, and love for the nation,' she said. According to a Malay Mail report last month, the new uniform requirement mandates that all students wear the Jalur Gemilang badge on formal, sports, traditional, and vocational uniforms. The guideline, approved by the Cabinet on Feb 14, 2025, specifies the badge must be 5cm by 2.5cm in size, affixed to the right chest area, and must not be altered or decorated. Worn or faded badges must be replaced promptly. State and district education offices are tasked with promoting awareness and monitoring compliance to ensure the initiative is effectively implemented. 'The initiative aligns with the role of educational institutions in fostering national pride and nurturing patriotism among the younger generation,' the Education Ministry stated in March.
