KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will equip 369 Chinese primary school classrooms with smart TVs under the RM5-million Phase One rollout.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the funding, channelled through the Sarawak Chinese Schools Consultative Committee, aims to upgrade teaching and learning by introducing digital tools into the classroom.
“This initiative will inspire students’ interest in learning through advanced and innovative technologies, enable teachers to prepare lessons more systematically, reduce their workload, enhance the quality of teaching and ultimately improve student learning outcomes,” he said.
He said this during a press conference while attending the preparation of Smart Classroom equipment and teaching materials at SJKC Chung Hua No. 3 today.
He added that the allocation will be disbursed to the Sarawak United Association of Chinese Aided Primary School Boards of Management, which will oversee installations in schools that applied and passed the evaluation process.
“Under Phase One, classrooms will be equipped with either 75-inch or 86-inch smart TVs, with final allocation based on class size to be decided during a committee meeting on Monday (Dec. 15).
“The allocation is as follows, with 166 units in Kuching and Samarahan; 42 units in Sri Aman and Betong; 68 units in Sibu, Mukah and Kapit; 32 units in Bintulu; 38 units in Miri and Limbang; and 23 units in Sarikei,” he added.
Dr Sim also said that a similar amount of allocation under Phase 2 will be allocated in 2026 after further discussions by the Consultative Committee.
He said that most schools would be equipped with smart classrooms by then.
The additional funding will be channelled toward STEM-related equipment, including robotics kits, 3D printers and drones.
“The initiative aligns with Premier Abang Johari’s PCDS 2030 vision to develop a digitally skilled workforce.
“This will help us produce more engineers and technology talents for Sarawak’s nation-building,” he said.
Meanwhile, Sarawak United Association of Chinese Aided Primary School Boards of Management’s President, Datuk Jonathan Chai, said the committee aims to complete the procurement and installation of the smart TVs for Phase 1 within this year, or by the first quarter of 2025 at the latest.
“Although we already have a list of quotations, the tender process will still be carried out to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Our goal is to proceed immediately, we will not leave the funds idle,” he said.
Chai added that the equipment comes with a five-year warranty.
“After five years, the equipment will likely be out of date, so the Sarawak Government will continue funding replacements and maintenance,” he added.
