Be fully equipped for fast-evolving global landscape, youths told
KUCHING: Today’s youths must be equipped with relevant knowledge, skills, and values to navigate the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
In this regard, he emphasised on the pivotal role of educators in shaping the character of and nurturing the spirit of patriotism in students.
“Indeed, it is a challenge for teachers today to educate our children, where globalisation is fast shaping our society.
“This means that teachers and pupils need to adopt and adapt ideas, knowledge, technologies and cultural perspectives, not only locally but across borders on a global scale,” he said in his speech, read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at the national-level ‘2024 Juh Berambeh Gerakan Massa #terimakasihcikgu’ dinner at Satok Ballroom of Hikmah Exchange Events Centre here on Friday.
Acknowledging the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), Abang Johari emphasised on the significance of digitalisation and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), roboticsand biotechnology, in today’s era.
Also addressing the volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (Vuca) nature of the current environment, exemplified by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Premier also stressed about the need for rapid adaptation.
“The environment which we live in today is so fast-paced and interconnected, and often associated with Vuca.
“Similarly, in education, administrators, teachers, pupils, and even parents have to face change that comes in various shapes and forms, at a quick pace,” he said.
Nonetheless, Abang Johari gave assurance about the significant developments underway in Sarawak’s education landscape, particularly in infrastructure, rural education development, technical and vocational education, indigenous education, as well as technology and sustainable development integration in education.
On the Digital Education Policy launched by the Education Ministry last year, Abang Johari said it aligned with Sarawak’s Digital Economic Action Plan 2030.
“In this matter, the state is developing an ecosystem that will attract emergent industries focusing on a data bank of international standards, creation of digital content as well as the upgrading of digital innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said.
On the event, Abang Johari highlighted it as signifying the collaborative platforms aimed at advancing education goals.
Also present was federal Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh.