Playing crucial role to raise education standard

SIBU: The Persatuan Aspirasi Guru Sarawak (PAGS) plays an important role in collaborating with both the state and federal governments to elevate the standard of education in Sarawak.

Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said that the association’s establishment came about through discussions with young teachers to create a dedicated organisation.

“I have been informed by the director that over 60 per cent of teachers in Sarawak are under the age of 40. If we include those up to 45 years old, the percentage could be as high as 70 per cent.

“This means that the majority of the over 40,000 teachers in Sarawak are under the age of 45, fitting the definition of youth or young adults. However, they have different aspirations compared to other teachers.

“When they met with me, I suggested that this significant number could have substantial implications in terms of networking and their distribution across every corner of Sarawak,” he said.

Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman, was officiating at the PGMS conference on behalf of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg here on Saturday.

He said that no government agency has a more extensive network compared to educators.

“They are present in every corner of Sarawak, with more than 1,000 schools. I do not need to elaborate on the influence they have, given such an extensive network; it is undoubtedly significant.

“As a doctor, I do not have such a vast network compared to teachers,” he remarked.

He congratulated the PAGS for successfully establishing a legitimate organisation and holding an annual general meeting to appoint the committee for the current term.