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The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Four Johor schools join global project
Onn Hafiz (left) at the smart classroom of SMK Tasek Utara, Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star THE Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools (SRBJ) have made history as the first government institutions in Malaysia to be recognised as Apple Distinguished Schools. This global honour was previously reserved for fully residential institutions. Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the achievement marked a significant milestone in the state's vision to prepare students for a highly competitive, digital future. 'SRBJ now joins an exclusive group (outside of nine other schools in Malaysia, all of which are fully residential) to receive this international recognition from Apple,' he said. Aznan said 2,496 iPads would be distributed to 2,264 students and 213 teachers under the initiative, through a strategic collaboration between the Johor government, Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation, Apple Education and sponsor QSR Brands. He added 212 educators had been sent in phases to the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Singapore for training in pedagogical innovation, STEM subjects and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards – in preparation for a dual-curriculum model that included both national and international examinations. 'Johor's education system must evolve to meet global expectations and SRBJ is just the beginning,' he told reporters after a parents and teachers sharing session at SMK Tasek Utara in Johor Baru. Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the SRBJ initiative, which involved four pilot schools, was undergoing a transformation worth RM30mil, with RM6mil allocated by the state government and RM24mil pledged by corporate partners. He added that the initiative, inspired by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, aimed at producing world-class students who could thrive in a digital, borderless world. 'The Regent does not want our children to be left behind. 'His vision is for Johor to produce the best students in the country, capable of competing globally,' he said in his speech at the event. The four SRBJ schools – SMK Tasek Utara, SK Tasek Utara, SMK Kota Puteri and SK Kota Puteri 4 – were chosen from more than 1,190 statewide. These schools have since been upgraded with smart classrooms, AI-integrated computer labs, modern canteens, teachers' lounges, amphitheatres, outdoor learning hubs and performance studios. 'We want every teacher to be comfortable and every student to thrive,' said Onn Hafiz. SRBJ students will also sit for international exams such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), alongside Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), within the next two years. 'If they fail these exams, the SRBJ mission would have failed,' he said in calling for full cooperation from all stakeholders. All SRBJ students from Year 4 onwards, along with their teachers, will also receive tablets provided under Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation's corporate social responsibility initiative. 'These are not for games. They are tools to expose our children to cutting-edge technology.' Onn Hafiz also said RM27bil in foreign direct investments recorded in the first quarter of 2025, reinforced Johor's need to cultivate top local talent. 'With high-paying job opportunities coming into Johor, we want our children to study, succeed and serve right here in Johor,' he said.
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
Call for bridge linking isle and mainland
All-terrain vehicles will enable tourists to move around the island. — THOMAS YONG/The Star VILLAGERS living on Pulau Tanjung Surat have long wished for a bridge linking them to the Johor mainland, a connection which will transform their daily lives and unlock the island's potential as a tourist destination. Kampung Tanjung Surat village chief Amin A. Rahman said, 'Most of the island's inhabitants are coastal fishermen and rubber tappers, while about 25% of our population are senior citizens. 'On the island, we have a primary school, a preschool, and an Islamic religious school sharing the same premises. 'Our children are studying in a secondary school on the mainland, where they stay at a dormitory.' Amin said not many villagers or youths were keen to find work off the island, and would typically follow their parents' footsteps by either becoming fishermen or rubber tappers. Amin with sea cucumbers caught by the island's fishermen. According to Amin, there are many stories of how Pulau Tanjung Surat got its name. 'The island was part of an important trade route. Thus, the island acted as a collection point for letters from east and west, which is why it is named Pulau Tanjung Surat,' he said. With the mangrove forest flourishing, many people have been crossing Sungai Johor to visit the island. 'A bridge would help improve our lives. Villagers have been asking for a bridge for a long time now. 'The only way to go to the island presently is by boat,' he added. Amin said depending solely on one boat for transport to and from the island, over the years, was hard on villagers. A boatman operates the daily service between 6am and 9pm. Amin said it was especially difficult when there was a medical emergency or death, as villagers had no choice but to go to the mainland by boat which would take a longer time. 'If there is an emergency, especially either late at night or in the wee morning hours, I have to call up the boatman. 'If there was a bridge linking Pulau Tanjung Surat to the mainland, it would make our lives easier. 'Having a bridge would also bring much-needed development to the island and infrastructure, such as better roads,' he added. Amin said a bridge would make it easier to promote Pulau Tanjung Surat to domestic and international tourists. He said the villagers' efforts included setting up a gallery on the mangrove forest and another one on the island's history to educate visitors. 'We also have a gallery on jong, a small traditional boat, to show visitors how these handicrafts are made.' Amin said the islanders were working closely with a nearby ferry terminal operator who brought foreign tourists to Tanjung Belungkor. 'We are also working closely with a local university and the South East Johor Development Authority (Kejora) which has been very helpful and supportive.' He said Kejora had been actively involved in Pulau Tanjung Surat's development, focusing on enhancing its tourism potential and supporting local livelihoods. Last August, Kejora carried out a visit to monitor the progress of several tourism infrastructure projects on the island. Amin said these projects included the completion of Laman Bakau, Galeri Bakau, Galeri Jong and Galeri Warisan, all aimed at promoting eco-tourism and preserving the island's cultural heritage. 'The island is about 20 minutes from Singapore and about an hour from Batam, Indonesia. 'As we are located near Singapore and Indonesia, foreign tourists including Japanese, Chinese and South Koreans come to Pulau Tanjung Surat from there. 'However, we would like to see more domestic tourists. A bridge would help to make that happen,' he said. The islanders are promoting eco-tourism while developing products to attract more tourists. 'We are in the midst of getting all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) for the island, to make it easier for visitors to move around here. 'We will also be providing kayaks as we have identified a kayak route around Pulau Tanjung Surat where people can closely observe nature.' Also being finalised is a tour package for visitors to see how traditional fishermen catch crabs and prawns along the island's coastline. Amin said there were also suggestions to provide homestay for tourists to experience living in a traditional Malay village. — By MOHD FARHAAN SHAH
The Star
11-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Nurses are key to global health
Photo: THOMAS YONG/The Star EVERY May 12, the world celebrates its largest group of healthcare professionals: nurses. This year's International Nurses Day (IND) theme, 'Our Nurses. Our Future. Caring For Nurses Strengthens Economies', is a reminder that a healthier, more resilient world depends on a supported and empowered nursing workforce. In Malaysia, nurses make up more than 60% of the total health workforce. Their role is critical in everything from urban hospitals to remote Klinik Kesihatan or Klinik Desa. However, many face long hours, limited resources, and burnout, especially in underserved regions. While the Health Ministry has initiated programmes to strengthen nursing education and upskill the workforce, more structural reforms are necessary to address retention and support.
The Star
08-05-2025
- The Star
Driver denies causing boy's death
Day in court: Yau (handcuffed) being escorted by police at the Batu Pahat court. — THOMAS YONG/The Star BATU PAHAT: A school van driver has been charged in connection with the death of a five-year-old boy who was found unconscious in his vehicle. Yau Chee Weng, 56, pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court judge Mohamad Khalid Ab Karim. The accused allegedly left Teo Yu Ze, who was under his care, unattended in the van, leading to the child's death. Yau allegedly committed the offence in front of a kindergarten in Jalan Indah 10/14, Taman Bukit Indah, Iskandar Puteri, between 8am and 12.05pm on April 30. He is facing a charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglect or omission to care for a child in a manner likely to cause physical injury. If convicted, he could face a jail sentence of up to 20 years or fines up to RM50,000 or both. Deputy public prosecutor Sharifah Natasha Syed Ahmad prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyer Goh Toh Jen. DPP Sharifah Natasha requested the court to set bail at RM15,000, but Goh asked for a lower amount, noting that the accused is a retiree who works as a part-time van driver. The judge set bail at RM7,000 and fixed June 12 for the next mention and submission of documents. Yau is also required to report to the nearest police station once a month, surrender his passport to the court, and refrain from disturbing witnesses involved in the case. He later posted bail. When news of the case first broke last month, it was reported that the boy may have been left behind after the driver dropped off other students at around 7.30am. The child was found at noon and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The van driver was arrested at 2.40pm the same day in the Taman Bukit Indah area.
The Star
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Adding to charm of Kg Sungai Melayu
Kampung Sungai Melayu is known for Malay cuisine and river-based leisure activities. — Photos: THOMAS YONG/The Star RM12.2mil upgrade for Kota Iskandar fishing village part of preparations for Visit Johor 2026 Johor government is investing RM12.2mil to turn Kampung Sungai Melayu into a major tourist destination in time for Visit Johor 2026 (VJ2026), says Iskandar Puteri assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad. He said the fishing village was already a popular weekend spot, known especially for its asam pedas dish and mangroves. 'We are upgrading the area in two phases, with work expected to wrap up by February next year. 'The upgrades include additional parking bays, jetty, concrete boardwalk, cultural walkway and a range of other tourist-friendly amenities,' he said when met at the village. Located about 20 minutes from Kota Iskandar, Kampung Sungai Melayu is also known for its river-based leisure activities such as fishing, boat tours and crab catching. Pandak showing a rendering of an upcoming development at the village located near Kota Iskandar. Pandak said the village was selected as one of the key tourism attractions for VJ2026, thanks to its growing popularity with visitors from China, Japan and South Korea. 'More than 100,000 tourists have visited the village since it became an eco-tourism hub in 2018,' he said. 'We are expecting at least 10,000 visitors next year.' One of the highlights of the upgrading project is a new village archway completed at a cost of RM500,000. Pandak said a 1.2ha parking facility costing RM3mil, meanwhile, was designed to accommodate the expected rise in visitor numbers. Shuttle buses will also be provided to help tourists move around more easily. 'We are also building facilities such as trading spaces, an information centre, electric vehicle parking bays and recreational areas. 'All of these additions are aimed at boosting economic opportunities for the village's 800 residents while enhancing the overall visitor experience,' said Pandak.
