SIBU: The Sarawak government is committed to strengthening education through the implementation of the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP).
According to Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, SEEP aims to improve the state’s Grade Point Average (GPA) to be on par with the National Grade Point Average (GPA).
“The Sarawak government has allocated RM20 million for SEEP, targeting students who score 39 or 40 marks and below in examinations,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters at the Programme to Promote State Government Schools in Sarawak, organised by the Selangau District Education Office at a renowned hotel here on Thursday (Feb 27).
The Nangka assemblyman said that SEEP will focus on several subjects: Mathematics, English, and Science for Form 3 students, while Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Additional Mathematics, and Mathematics for Form 4 students.
“We are also focusing on weaker students. If we can help them improve, I believe the state’s GPA will improve in the future.
“We have set a target. Last year, for the first time, we managed to achieve a GPA of less than 5. Our goal within the next five years is to be at least on par with the national level, which is around 4.5,” he added.
He said that a total of 58,000 students participated in the programme last year, and if it runs smoothly, the ministry will consider expanding it to Form 1 and Form 2 students.
Meanwhile, regarding the Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS), he said that YSISS adopts the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum, offering a comprehensive and rigorous academic programme from Year 7 to Year 11.
However, YSISS students have the option to sit for the SPM examination or not, making them eligible to obtain both the SPM and IGCSE certificates.
“They will be allowed to take six subjects. If they choose to do so, they will receive training and guidance in June and July before the examination,” he said.
He stressed that most of the YSISS syllabus is equivalent to or similar to the SPM syllabus and may differ in terms of the format of the questions.
“This is why many students perform well in YSISS and also do well in SPM,” he added.
Meanwhile, regarding YSISS in Sibu, Dr Annuar said that it already has 100 students, but they are currently placed in Kuching.
“After the Gawai festival in June, they will be relocated here,” he added.
