Sarawak to equip 369 Chinese primary school classrooms with smart tech by 2026

KUCHING (Dec 10): A total of 369 classrooms in Chinese primary schools across Sarawak are expected to be equipped with smart classroom facilities by 2026, announced Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said the state government, through the Sarawak Chinese Schools Consultative Committee (formerly known as the Special Unit for Chinese School Affairs), has allocated RM5 million under Phase 1 to install smart classroom equipment and provide electronic reference materials for Mathematics and Science.

“This initiative will allow teachers to prepare lessons more systematically, reduce their workload, enhance teaching quality, and ultimately improve student learning outcomes,” he told a press conference at SJK Chung Hua No. 3.

The state Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, explained that recipient schools were selected based on applications fulfilling the evaluation criteria.

The 369 classrooms are distributed across the state: 166 the Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian divisions; 42 from Sri Aman and Betong; 68 from Sibu, Mukah, and Kapit; 32 from Bintulu; 38 from Miri and Limbang; and 23 from Sarikei.

He added that Phase 2 will see a similar amount of funding allocated in 2026 following further discussions by the Consultative Committee.

“Since most schools would already be equipped with smart classrooms by then, the additional funding will be channelled towards Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)-related equipment, including robotics kits, 3D printers, and drones,” Dr Sim said.

He emphasised that the programme supports Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision for STEM education.

“If students are exposed early in primary school, they will have a stronger foundation when they enter secondary school and eventually contribute as engineers and technology talents for Sarawak’s nation-building,” he said.

Sarawak United Association of Chinese Aided Primary School Boards of Management president, Datuk Jonathan Chai, said the committee aims to complete the procurement and installation of the smart TVs for Phase 1 within this year, or by the first quarter of 2025 at the latest.

He said the association would determine whether to install 75-inch or 86-inch smart televisions based on student numbers in each school.

“We will hold a committee meeting next Monday and call for a tender. Even though we already have quotations, we want to ensure full transparency and accountability.

“Our goal is to proceed immediately; we will not leave the funds idle,” he added.

Also present at the press conference were Sarawak United Association of Chinese School Boards of Management acting president Datuk Pau Chiong Ung, association secretary-general Teo Kwang Hock, and Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap.