Access for all: A representative of SK Sungai Dua briefing Education Ministry officials in the new digital classroom.
THE Education Ministry welcomes public-private partnerships as these are crucial in realising the country’s ambitions, says its director-general (School Operations) Zainal Abas.
He was speaking at the launch of EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd’s digital classroom in SK Sungai Dua in Karak, Pahang, on Oct 9.
Implemented in collaboration with partners, including Impact Malaysia, this digital classroom will offer over 100 students between the ages of five and 12 a dedicated space for learning.
It will be fully equipped with seamless and unlimited Internet connection and will also provide students with various educational materials, interactive learning platforms, and multimedia content on their academic subjects and interests.
This is the fifth digital classroom EdgePoint is launching under its Connectivity for Communities (CFC) programme. The company targets to launch a total of 10 schools by the end of this year.
The digital classroom project is the first of two initiatives under the company’s programme which aims to connect schools in underserved areas, providing them and its surrounding areas with access to the Internet.
The CFC will also include capacity development programmes for school staff to ensure the effective management and sustainability of the initiatives.
“Our national commitment to digital inclusion means we collaborate with technology and knowledge partners to provide affordable and equitable access for all, and CFC supports the government’s efforts to develop digital-savvy Malaysians who are able to effectively contribute to society and in the long run, participate in the digital economy,” said Zainal in a press release.
Among those present at the unveiling of the digital classroom were EdgePoint Towers CEO Muniff Kamaruddin, SK Sungai Dua headmaster Ahmad Jafri Dolah, and Impact Malaysia deputy CEO Nurul Azwa Mohamad Rodzi.
Ahmad Jafri said the digital classroom will not only provide students with access to the Internet but change the way we teach entirely.
“We are now able to access online resources, participate in digital classes, collaborate and share ideas with other educators as well as provide e-learning and alternative materials to the children.
“We are not only imparting knowledge but also preparing them for the digital world and making them more well-rounded individuals. This elevates the quality of education we will be providing to students from here on,” he said.
Connectivity, said Muniff, is as essential as the utilities we use daily.
By providing students with the right tools, technologies and digital resources, we aim to empower these students and teachers, giving them platforms for bigger, brighter futures, he said. “The access to connectivity from infrastructure deployed here will also extend to the surrounding Orang Asli communities, giving them access to online health care, banking, government services, retail and gig opportunities.
“We hope this also opens doors for alternative income options allowing them to elevate their quality of lives. This is also in line with our commitment to connecting the unconnected and ensuring a digitally inclusive Malaysia,” he added.
Impact Malaysia, said Nurul Azwa, wants to continue to empower communities by focusing on youth development and enabling young people to take charge of their futures.
“Through partnerships such as these, we are able to advise on the locations or communities which are most in need of affordable, reliable and meaningful connectivity and subsequently bring lasting changes to them,” she said.
