The government is aiming to provide each student with a smart device to facilitate digital learning. This was revealed by deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during the 2024 National Teacher’s Day Celebration yesterday, attended by key figures including education minister Fadhlina Sidek and Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail.
Dr. Zahid says this initiative aligns with the Ministry of Education’s aspiration to incorporate digital tools into the learning process, highlighting the necessity of tablets for students to enhance their educational experience. Despite financial constraints, he said that the government will try to implement it in phases, potentially starting this year.
“The system is already in place, the pedagogical teaching methods are there, only the tablets are the constraint,” the deputy prime minister said during the event. “So if it can be done in phases starting this year, I think in the next four to five years, the majority will have them.”
Dr Zahid added that he would discuss with prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on securing additional funding to support the purchase of these smart devices. Although the Ministry of Education received an allocation of RM58.7 billion this year, Dr Zahid assured that he would advocate for increased funding in the government’s budget for next year.
The deputy prime minister also revealed that discussions had been held with digital minister Gobind Singh Deo and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) chairman Tan Sri Mohamad Salim Fateh Din in regards to sufficient internet coverage in low-density areas, villages, and remote areas to facilitate online learning for students. He added that the next 5G rollout phase will be focused to ensure that this can be achieved.
(Source: Bernama)
