KUCHING: A Sarawak-led digital early intervention initiative is gaining regional attention, with potential to become a model for inclusive child development across Asean and Japan.
Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah witnessed the exchange of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Sedidik Sdn Bhd and Toybox Creations and Technologies Sdn Bhd at OSEIC Metrocity, Matang here, on Tuesday (April 21).
Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki, said early screening and tailored support are key to helping children reach their full potential, though access remains uneven across Asean.
“I am convinced this initiative will help eliminate disparities in developmental support and strengthen inclusive education in Sarawak.”
The programme, developed by Toy Eight Holdings Inc, co-founded by Shun Matsuzaka, uses game-based digital tools to screen and support children’s development.
Matsuzaka said the initiative addresses a critical gap between ages three and five, when structured developmental monitoring is limited.
“Science tells us that 90 per cent of a child’s brain develops before the age of six,” he said, stressing the importance of early intervention.
Under the plan, the system will be rolled out across Sedidik preschools, with a target of training about 140 teachers and screening 1,800 children statewide by 2027.
He said early trials saw 95 teachers screen 694 children digitally without requiring on-site specialists.
Shikata described the collaboration as a form of “reverse innovation”, noting that the Sarawak model is already attracting interest from other Asean countries and local governments in Japan.
He added that the initiative reflects a new phase of Malaysia–Japan cooperation, building on decades of ties under the Look East Policy.
