Govt may consider computer programming schools

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia could soon have schools focused on computer programming, says Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

He said a pilot project would determine the viability of building and developing computer programming schools, where students can focus solely on learning computer programming.

“But this is only a test run that we’re going to do,” he told reporters after meeting participants of the Digital Ninja Programme here yesterday.

He said there were such schools in other parts of the world, such as in France.

“We have spoken to them in Paris and we are trying to bring their model here,” he said.

Gobind said that he discussed with Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik on the possibility of opening these schools, as syllabus and education come under the Education Ministry.

He hoped plans could take off by the end of the year in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) vice-president of talent and digital entrepreneurship Sumitra Nair said the proposed computer programming school was meant for school leavers and not an alternative for primary or secondary schools.

During the session with the programme’s participants, Gobind advised the students not to give up if they believe in something.

“If you really believe in something, you should find ways to make it happen,” he said when he shared his experience as a politician.

When asked on what he does he during his free time, Gobind said he walked around listening to music on his earphones.

“This question assumes that I have free time,” he added, drawing laughter from the crowd.

The Digital Ninja Programme is part of the #mydigitalmaker Movement by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and the Education Ministry.

It is a specially tailored programme for digitally talented students between the ages of 13 and 17 to harness their digital and soft skills.