Young teachers can play key role in uplifting standard of English language, says Premier

SIBU (July 27): Young teachers in Sarawak can play an active role in uplifting the English language, says Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He said this in his speech for the ‘Sarawak Young Teachers Conference’ at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here today.

His text speech was read by Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.

“I hope the young teachers can play an active role in promoting the use of the English language in schools, as this not only can enhance students’ communication skills, but also can prepare them to compete globally,” said the Premier.

Abang Johari also talked about the advancement in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), hailed as the foundations of technological progress and innovation.

“I hope this conference could outline effective strategies to attract students’ interest in STEM. This includes using creative and practical teaching approaches that can link theory with real-world applications.”

On digital transformation, Abang Johari stressed that the digital era required the young educators to be more efficient and innovative in the teaching and learning process.

“Young teachers need to master digital technology and utilise the educational software, online learning platforms, and other technological tools that can enhance students’ learning experience.”

On artificial intelligence (AI), Abang Johari said this technology had become increasingly relevant in the world of education.

“I hope young teachers could recognise and apply AI towards improving the learning and school administration processes such as for student data analysis, adaptive learning, and assessments.”

In this regard, he said the Sarawak government through the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) and Yayasan Sarawak, was always ready to provide full support to the young teachers of Sarawak towards realising these goals.

Also present were Education Department Sarawak director Datu Dr Azhar Ahmad, Pertubuhan Aspirasi Guru Sarawak (PAGS) president Mutalib Kasim and deputy president Abang Mohd Shukri Abang Muis, and UTS School of Business and Management deputy dean Dr Rahmat Aidil Djubair.