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Daily Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Transforming education must: Hajiji
Published on: Thursday, May 29, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 29, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji posing for a group photo with other guests and participants of Arise 2025. Kota Kinabalu: Transforming the State's education system is an urgent necessity and not a choice to ensure Sabah students are prepared to face future challenges, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said 2024 study data revealed that only 65 per cent of students demonstrated good or excellent problem-solving skills, while just 72pc felt confident applying scientific knowledge in their daily lives. 'This shows we cannot be complacent. Many students are still struggling to grasp basic Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) concepts. Therefore, education transformation must be made a top priority,' he said when officiating an international education research conference, Arise (Astounding Research Innovation STEM Exploration) at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Wednesday. Hajiji said a research and innovation-based teaching approach must be strengthened and mainstreamed to ensure Sabah's education system remains relevant, inclusive and competitive. Hajiji also called on all educators, educational institutions, researchers and policymakers to continue exploring and improving educational approaches in line with the digital era and current industry needs. He said Arise 2025, which brings together more than 600 participants including the United Kingdom, Spain, Philippines, China and Ireland serves as a vital platform for global-level educational collaboration. Advertisement 'This conference not only unites educators, researchers and policymakers from various countries but also promotes the empowerment of education rooted in science, technology and culture.' He also emphasised the importance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and STEM education as key drivers in developing a high-quality, competitive and innovative human capital in Sabah. He said the State Government has allocated RM41.75 million this year to the State Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (KSTI), the Sabah Skills and Training Centre (SSTC) and the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (Scenic) for various training and skills empowerment programmes. They include Kembara Sains Borneo, the Sabah Science Carnival, the Technology and Innovation Competition, the STEM Education Festival, the Roboneo Programme and the Sabah Screen Fest — all of which serve as important platforms to spark students' interest in technology and engineering. Hajiji also welcomed the presentation of 13 conference sub-themes, including digital education, Malay studies, Islamic education, guidance and counselling, sports science, visual arts and early childhood education. He is confident sharing of knowledge would lead to international collaborations that can elevate the profile of researchers and educational institutions in Sabah to the global stage. 'Educators are the lifeblood and backbone of successful education transformation. I urge them to be bold in exploring research and innovation in education,' he said. Arise 2025 is also a manifestation of the State Government's commitment through the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan 2021–2025, which prioritises education as a catalyst for the State's sustainable development. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * 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


New Straits Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Govt vows stronger support to recognise youth's role in nation development, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: The National Youth Day celebration reflects the government's recognition of the vital role and significant contributions of young people to national development, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. In a Facebook post, Zahid said today's younger generation is becoming more mature, knowledgeable and intellectually equipped to face increasingly complex and demanding challenges. "Recognising this, the government continues to strengthen various initiatives to expand youth development opportunities, including in the fields of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) entrepreneurship, the green economy and the digital economy, so that our young people are not only competitive but also ready to lead future change. "I believe today's youth are the shapers of tomorrow. Keep moving forward with confidence and contribute with full spirit, because the future of this country greatly depends on your courage and wisdom," he said. National Youth Day is celebrated every May 15 with various activities held nationwide. 'Yakin Boleh' (Believe You Can) has been chosen as this year's theme. Meanwhile, Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, in a separate Facebook post, called on all Malaysian youth to remain committed to realising their aspirations and contributing to the nation's progress. "You are the backbone of the country, drivers of innovation and future leaders who will shape a more prosperous Malaysia. "Let us work together to strengthen the sports sector, foster unity and support the sustainable development agenda. Your dynamic spirit and dedication are the foundation of our collective success," she said. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said also conveyed her message on Facebook, saying the strength and capability of a nation undoubtedly lie with its youth. "Recognising this reality, the Madani Government has formulated various empowerment initiatives to prepare the younger generation to carry forward our beloved nation's glory. "Through the legal and institutional reform segment, the government is also committed to ensuring that every young person is given the space, justice and equal opportunity to build a more transparent, just and high-integrity Malaysia," she said.


Borneo Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
TVET skills key to youth success in Sarawak's future industries, says Rentap
Rentap (seated centre) joins other guests and attendees for a group photo. SIBU (April 26): Vocational college students have been urged to fully embrace opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to secure a stronger future, in line with Sarawak's development agenda. In giving this advice, State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu said the state government is actively implementing strategic initiatives across emerging sectors such as hydrogen energy technology, smart transportation, and aerospace industry, offering vast opportunities to Sarawak's youth. 'TVET is not just about acquiring technical skills; it is a ticket to a stable career and promising income,' he said when officiating the Madani Unity Open House and launch of the Kolej Vokasional Sibu Golden Jubilee celebration, held at the college hall today. Adding on, the Layar assemblyman stressed the importance of steering clear of laziness, describing it as the 'main enemy of mankind'. 'Success does not come without effort and skills,' he said. In this regard, Rentap urged students to fully utilise the skills acquired at college to attract employers and boost their self-confidence. 'In today's fast-evolving technological landscape, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence, students must equip themselves not only with theoretical knowledge but also practical experience and the ability to evaluate information and make sound decisions.' On the Golden Jubilee celebration, Rentap acknowledged the pivotal role of the institution over the past five decades in producing thousands of highly skilled alumni. 'Kolej Vokasional Sibu is one of the key institutions contributing to the development of a skilled workforce in Sarawak. 'I hope all educators and students will continue striving for even greater success,' added the deputy minister. As a gesture of support, he announced a grant of RM10,000 for Kolej Vokasional Sibu's Parent-Teacher Association. Gerald Rentap Jabu Sibu TVET vocational college