Sabah to boost education with AI integration, launches strategic framework

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 11): The Sabah Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (KPSTI) is formalising a strategic framework to accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across the state’s education ecosystem.

KPSTI Minister Datuk James Ratib said the initiative reinforces the state government’s commitment to future-ready learning and sustainable human capital development.

The announcement follows an engagement session with Aras Integrasi Sdn Bhd, an AI solutions provider based at Menara TM, Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, where discussions focused on strategic collaboration in developing and applying AI technologies for Sabah’s education ecosystem.

Among the key initiatives discussed was the implementation of a proposed One-Staff / One-AI programme, which will be first introduced at the KPSTI level before being expanded to other ministries.

The programme aims to enhance AI literacy and build practical AI capabilities among civil servants, particularly those involved in the education sector.

The ministry also emphasised the development of specialised AI modules for the Teacher Education Institute (IPG), ensuring that educators are equipped with the latest digital and technological skills to meet current education system requirements.

“KPSTI is also exploring the development of AI modules aligned with the Ministry of Education Malaysia’s textbook syllabus so that they can be utilised in both urban and rural schools,” the ministry said in a statement.

Recognising connectivity challenges in remote areas, James stressed the importance of developing offline AI solutions to ensure students and educators in locations with limited internet access are not left behind.

Efforts to build multilingual AI platforms incorporating Sabah’s local languages and dialects were also highlighted as part of an inclusive approach that reflects the state’s diverse sociocultural landscape.

“The state government remains committed to leveraging AI technology in an inclusive, ethical and responsible manner to ensure access to quality, equitable and future-ready education, in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya aspirations,” the minister said.

The meeting was attended by Aras Integrasi Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Che Nasir Salleh; deputy chief executive officer Dennis Looi; chief business officer Effie Rizal; chief operating officer Sam Wong; and chief financial officer Tan Chee Keong.

The KPSTI delegation comprised the minister and several senior officers.