Ministry explores postgraduate courses for teachers

SIBU: The Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development will hold discussions with public universities to offer postgraduate courses for teachers in Sarawak.

According to Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, it is aimed at providing more opportunities for teachers from the state.

“There are several factors that pose constraints or do not really motivate these teachers. Among them are the opportunities for Sarawak teachers to further their studies at the postgraduate level which are very limited.

“Secondly, if they pursue it independently, they have to travel to the peninsula for additional classes or distance learning,” he said after the closing ceremony of the Persidangan Guru Muda Sarawak (PGMS) 2024 at University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here Sunday (July 28).

He said his ministry has been having preliminary discussions with public universities to offer postgraduate courses at several institutions such as Swinburne, Curtin, and also UTS.

“It is still in the discussion phase and if this can be realised, then the opportunities for Sarawakian teachers to pursue postgraduate studies will be greatly expanded,” he added.

Meanwhile, on Persatuan Aspirasi Guru Sarawak (PAGS), Dr Annuar said the association was established this year.

“We will have a programme to enhance educational achievement and help the children of Sarawak improve their educational standards and this is the main objective of this organisation.

“They have conducted workshops and have 10 resolutions, three of which mainly focus on facilities and dilapidated schools and most importantly, they have a resolution regarding the Dual Language Programme (DLP), which I will review with the ministry and other matters regarding the DLP.

“What has been concluded today, the ministry will take note of and take follow-up actions for the benefit of Sarawak students,” he stressed.