KUCHING: Sarawak is the first state in Malaysia to fully integrate the KIDS Bits and Bytes Programme into the SeDidik Preschool Digital Literacy Curriculum.
Launched as the pilot project in 2024, the programme aligns with Sarawak’s vision of a tech of a technology-driven future, equipping young learners as early as six years old with essential digital skills such as computational thinking, online safety and artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister for Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said a total of 721 students from SeDidik, aged six years old, have been participating in the programme.
“That makes us the first state in the world to implement this programme in pre-school.
“While other countries may believe that children are too young to participate in such programmes, we believe otherwise.
“This is the crucial age when they begin to shape their thinking, making it essential for their development and laying the foundation for who they will become,” she said.
Fatimah said this when met by reporters after receiving a courtesy call from head of Global Partnership, Kids Bytes, Martina Pometlova at Baitulmakmur II building here on Monday (Feb 24).
On another note, she said the programme will be continued through the SeDidik Centre of Excellence for Young People.
“This is a place where talents are further developed to the maximum potential with the help of people who are experts in this field.
“Our teachers might not have that particular expertise, but it doesn’t stop us from collaborating and then working strategically with various partners.
“So, if someone offers us a programme that we know will help our children to build their capacity, we are fully supportive. We want the best for our children.”
Meanwhile, programme director cum developer of the Rolf Schnyder Foundation, Scott J. Wong shared that the initiative will now expand to primary school students.
“The project will involve 18 primary schools across the state, then we will see how it goes.
“So, it’s a continuation of the pilot project. The pilot project is the first one that involves pre-school children. In other places, it does not involve pre-school. But Sarawak takes that step,” he said.
For the record, the number of tablets provided to the SeDidik Pre-Schools in 2023/2024 is 435, with 71 provided for the pilot project, while 361 provided during the full implementation of the programme.
