KUCHING: Efforts to strengthen Sarawak’s digital education ecosystem received a boost as educators from across the state completed the Training of Trainers (ToT) TEGAS Think & Tinker (T&T) Mini Lab programme.
The programme is aimed at equipping teachers with practical technological skills to drive innovation-based learning in schools.
Deputy Minister for Urban Planning, Land Administration and Environment and chairman of Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (TEGAS) Datuk Len Taliff Salleh officiated at the closing ceremony of the three-day programme held at TEGAS Digital Village here, today.
Led by TEGAS with strategic support from STEM Ground and education partners, the initiative focused on empowering teachers as facilitators in digital technology, robotics and innovation, while addressing disparities in digital literacy and technological readiness between urban and rural schools in Sarawak.
Speaking at the ceremony, Len said the programme’s practical and collaborative approach enables educators to master digital skills and serve as mentors in guiding students towards innovation and problem-solving.
“Educators are the backbone in shaping a collaborative learning culture based on real-world problem solving, and programmes such as this can catalyse the adoption of project-based learning in schools,” he said, adding that trained educators are increasingly essential as emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, reshape the education landscape.
He noted that initiatives like the TEGAS Think & Tinker Mini Lab play a significant role in helping teachers deliver 21st-century skills through technology, while enhancing creativity, collaboration and innovation among students.
Representing TEGAS chief executive officer Udin Bujang, senior manager of TEGAS Community Innovative Learning (TCIL) Fredrick Kevin Buseli said the ToT programme served as an early preparation phase before the full implementation of the T&T Mini Lab in participating schools.
He said the workshop brought together teachers from various districts in a collaborative and hands-on learning environment designed to build confidence, technical competency and readiness among educators to integrate technology into daily teaching practices.
“Although the programme duration was short, its impact is expected to be long term as it builds the confidence, skills and preparedness of teachers to become catalysts for future technological transformation in schools,” he said.
A total of 42 teachers from 21 schools participated in the programme, undergoing hands-on training involving tools and platforms such as Arduino, Micro:bit, mBot, drones, Scratch, App Inventor and 3D printing, while also learning troubleshooting skills and strategies for integrating technology into existing curricula.
The initiative is said to be part of TEGAS’ ongoing efforts to expand innovation spaces in schools across Sarawak, with 25 schools currently equipped with T&T Mini Lab facilities aimed at nurturing innovation culture, strengthening 21st-century competencies and supporting long-term digital talent development.
Through cross-sector collaboration involving government agencies, industry partners and the education community, the programme is expected to contribute towards building a more inclusive and balanced innovation-driven education ecosystem across the state.
