Sarawak English Language Education Symposium aims to enhance English education

KUCHING: The Sarawak English Language Education Symposium (SELES) 2024 aims to create an inclusive English education system that prepares teachers to thrive in a changing world.

Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said the symposium provides a platform for sharing and discussing recent international and local innovations, trends, and concerns as well as challenges and solutions encountered in the field of English language education.

“The symposium also provide networking and sharing opportunities among stakeholders, researchers, teacher educators, teacher-researchers, and practitioners for different perspectives involving various English language initiatives specifically in Sarawak.

“Most importantly, the symposium also explore creativity in language learning and teaching strategies and approaches (existing and new) through research.”

Sagah said this in his speech during the opening ceremony of SELES 2024 at Raia Hotel and Convention Kuching here today (July 9).

“English has been a key focus, and we remain dedicated to this cause.

“We aim to reach a point where English language proficiency is no longer an issue for our teachers and students.”

On another note, he urged all English language teachers to work closely with their Science and Mathematics colleagues, as well as with their students, to create a better English language environment in their schools.

“School leaders at all levels must also support this initiative effectively.

“What I mean here is that leaders either at the schools, district education offices and headquarters at State Education Department Sarawak all have a role to play.”

He added that all these efforts by the ministry need their (English teachers) cooperation and active participation.

“English language teachers, in particular, play a major role in the success of these initiatives.

“I ask for your continued dedication and support to help us achieve our goals.”

The symposium, supported by the participation of National Geographic Learning, gathered around 300 English, Mathematics, and Science teachers from schools across Sarawak.

At the same time, Sagah urged all English teachers to collaborate with fellow teachers who teach Science and Mathematics for the Sarawak Dual Language Programme (DLP Sarawak).

Also present during the symposium were deputy ministers Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, Datuk Francis Harden Hollis and other distinguished guests.