KUCHING: Yayasan Sarawak and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus have donated 80 refurbished computers to four secondary schools here to improve access to digital learning and strengthen ICT facilities.
The computers were distributed equally, with SMK Tun Abang Haji Openg, SMK Batu Lintang, SMK Demak Baru and SMK Green Road each receiving 20 units.
The initiative is intended to support both classroom teaching and co-curricular learning activities.
The handover ceremony was held at Swinburne Sarawak, bringing together representatives from Yayasan Sarawak, Swinburne Sarawak and the Kuching District Education Office (PPD Kuching), alongside the recipient schools.
Speaking at the event, Swinburne Sarawak Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Lau Hieng Ho, said the initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to education development through collaboration with key stakeholders.
“This collaboration reflects our shared effort to support education development through practical initiatives that benefit schools directly,” he said.
The university works closely with government bodies, foundations and schools to support education-related initiatives across the state, particularly in strengthening access to learning resources.
Efforts such as the refurbishment and redistribution of computers also aim to promote more efficient use of resources while helping to address gaps in digital access among students.
Digital inequality remains a key challenge for schools that lack consistent access to devices and infrastructure, while rapid technological changes, including the rise of AI-driven tools, continue to reshape teaching and learning approaches.
“Access to digital tools is increasingly essential in ensuring students can participate effectively in modern learning environments,” he said.
Kuching District Education Officer, Dr Majelan Sulong, said the contribution would directly benefit schools by enhancing digital access in teaching and learning.
The support, said Majelan, would help improve classroom delivery and strengthen overall learning activities for both students and teachers.
Yayasan Sarawak’s Principal Assistant Director (Information Technology, Systems and Data Management Division) and Chief Digital Officer, Mohammad Faisal Jaffar, said the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide in education.
He said such collaborations help ensure students are not left behind in accessing digital learning resources, while allowing support to be extended more effectively to schools in need.
“Partnerships like this allow us to extend support more effectively to schools that need it most,” he said.
During the ceremony, discussions were also held between the stakeholders on future collaboration, including teacher training, student enrichment programmes, and initiatives supporting digital and blended learning.
The programme was supported by Swinburne Innovation Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SWIM) as part of broader efforts to strengthen education-focused partnerships in Sarawak.
