Manyin concerned nation’s education system lagging behind
SERIAN: Sarawak’s Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong has expressed concern over the nation’s education system which is lagging behind other countries.
He pointed out that education standard nationwide must adjust to the needs and demands of the 21st Century or the country’s younger generation will be left behind and lose their competitive edge.
Having just returned from a 10- day study visit to Finland and Estonia together with 17 officers from the ministry, he said those countries have included latest technology including smartphones to make learning more interactive and effective.
“Malaysia is so far behind. They (Finland and Estonia) are at least 20 years ahead of us, if not 50 years. I sat through the classes, and I found they are using the latest technology effectively including smartphone, and textbooks may not even be needed there soon,” he said when speaking at the Kampung Pichin Gawai Celebration at the Awah Gawai Tun Abdul Razak in the village on Saturday night.
The Tebedu assemblyman added that his ministry, since its inception in May last year, had conducted several study trips to learn new ways to educate Sarawakians to be more competitive in this fast changing world.
The study visits were to United Kingdom, Germany and Singapore last year, and to Beijing, China earlier this year.
“It’s a fast changing world. In Beijing, China, the students are using computers in classrooms. In Finland, the students not only use smartphones for their class work and learning, but they can only be taught by teachers who have at least Masters degree qualification.
“Even our neighbouring countries are moving ahead of us,” he said.
On another matter, he called on Bidayuh parents to continue giving priority to the education of their children despite the temptation to spend money on merrymaking and drinking.
“Education is the way forward for our community. It is right to be merry and having fun while we celebrate Gawai once a year for few days. But, don’t do it once every week otherwise we cannot progress,” he said.
He also said even though Sarawak is now an opposition state he is still a minister in the state government and able to allocate funds whenever there is a need.
“Even though Sarawak is the opposition, we still have funds allocated to us,” he said.
Meanwhile, the event saw the performances of several traditional dances while the celebrants and guests were also served with traditional dishes.
Education incentives were presented to 22 recipients including those who were accepted into universities and other institutions of learning, and those who have completed their tertiary studies.
Village chief Riot Lagit said the event was held with RM30,000 financial grant through Manyin.
Pichin Village Folks Organisation ( PPKP) president and Tebedu District Officer Raymond Achen also spoke at the event.
Those present included Dayak Bidayuh National Association ( DBNA) president and permanent secretary to the Ministry of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, and a former Serian MP Dato Sri Dominic Dago Randan.
Malaysia is so far behind. They (Finland and Estonia) are at least 20 years ahead from us, if not 50 years. I sat through the classes, and I found they are using the latest technology effectively including smartphone, and textbooks may not even be needed there soon. Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong, Sarawak’s Education, Science and Technological Research