KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development is considering establishing a Centre of Excellence for Young People to further nurture and develop young talent.
Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah has emphasised the need to create a sustainable pathway for young Sarawakians to develop and nurture their talents from early childhood through to adulthood.
“We in the Sarawak Preschool Kids Got Talent (SPKGT) recognised that, after identifying the children’s talents, it is crucial to think about how we can ensure these talents and interests continue to grow.
“When they enter primary school, will these abilities be nurtured further? Will their teachers be aware of these talents?
“Therefore, we are considering for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Young People, under the ministry, to provide a structured programme that guides the development of these talents throughout a child’s educational journey and beyond.”
She said this in her speech during the 7th Sarawak Preschool Kids Got Talent ceremony at Waterfront Hotel here on Thursday (Nov 7).
Fatimah said the new centre would start in a small scale in 2025 and as an extension of efforts seen in programme at institutions such as Sedidik.
“This initiative is to ensure the talents of children under 18 are nurtured and developed into adulthood.
“The Sedidik Preschool could serve as an excellence centre for this purpose, although certain aspects need to be reviewed before implementation.
“We will use the existing facilities (Sedidik Preschool) as we are just beginning this initiative, and the concept and facilities need to be thoroughly reviewed to ensure they meet the necessary requirements.
“The Sedidik Centre of Excellence will be expanded in various aspects so it can be utilised not only by one type of preschool but by all who are talented.”
On a related note, Fatimah emphasised that this initiative would focus on inclusivity among students so that no one is left out.
“We will not exclude special-needs children because they, too, have unique talents, and we will include them in this centre.
“This initiative will serve as a continuity so that Sarawak can establish a concrete programme to discover, identify, and hone their talents to an optimal level.
“Ultimately, this will allow them to grow not only within the state but also at the national and even international levels.”
