Proposals to strengthen Sarawak’s UP-DLP, STEM education submitted to ministry, says Dr Annuar
by Peter Boon · Borneo Post OnlineSIBU (June 26): Five new initiatives aimed at strengthening Sarawak’s Dual Language Programme Assessment Test (UP-DLP) have been proposed following a workshop on empowering the programme, said State Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
The proposals were presented to State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn and are intended to enhance the teaching and learning of English, Science and Mathematics among both students and teachers.
“The State Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak will work with the State Education Department to further study the proposed initiatives in detail before final decision on its implementation can be made.
“The five proposed initiatives are: an intensive module for Year Six pupils in English, Science and Mathematics under the UP-DLP programme; intensive practice sessions for Year Six pupils in English, Science and Mathematics under the UP-DLP programme, effective Mathematics Education in English (EMEIE) programme by the Singapore Education Consulting Group, aimed at empowering 6,000 Mathematics teachers across Sarawak, the Sarawak Collaborative Learning Interactive Experience (SCALE) approach through the use of digital textbooks, and the provision of Science kits for primary schools,” Dr Annuar said, during the closing of the ‘Program Misi A+ SPM’ here.
Acknowledging that many schools in Sarawak, particularly primary schools, still lack science rooms, Dr Annuar nevertheless expressed confidence that the proposed initiatives would encourage more students to develop an interest in Science and Mathematics from an early age.
He also revealed that the latest UP-DLP assessment showed students performed well in English, but their performance in Mathematics and Science was less encouraging.
“Because of that, we were asked to intervene as soon as possible,” he said.
Dr Annuar said Sarawak has become a benchmark for other states through its innovative education policies introduced under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
“In fact, many states have envied Sarawak, particularly for our UP-DLP policy, as we are the only state in the country to implement such examinations,” he said.
Touching on the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), he said more than 5,000 Sarawakian students have benefited from the initiative, reflecting the state government’s strong commitment to education.
He said the scheme focuses on undergraduate programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Medicine, Law, Accounting, Finance and Psychology to meet Sarawak’s future talent needs.
“FTES is another initiative by the Sarawak government to strengthen the education sector and support Sarawak’s aspiration of becoming a developed state by 2030,” he said.
Looking ahead to the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination this November, Dr Annuar noted that students have about 150 days left to prepare.
He urged participants to make full use of the knowledge and guidance gained during the programme to achieve excellent results in the national examination and encouraged them to pursue higher education after completing their secondary studies.
The programme, which began on June 22, was attended by 155 SPM candidates from three secondary schools in Kanowit district — SMK Sedaya, SMK Kanowit and SMK Nanga Dap.
It was organised by the Kanowit District Education Office in collaboration with the Kanowit District Office and sponsored by the Forest Concession Fund Board and the State Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development.
Also present were Kanowit District Officer Cerisologo Sabut and Machan assemblyman Allan Siden Gramong.