LUNDU – Educators have been encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to strengthen their professional skills, particularly in areas linked to digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI), as these are increasingly shaping the future of education.
Speaking at the SMK Lundu Outstanding Student Awards Ceremony 2025, Opar State Assemblyman Billy Sujang highlighted the importance of teachers adapting to modern technologies such as Computer Science and AI. He stressed that these fields are now central to classroom innovation and student development.
“The future is determined by the efforts of the present, where opportunities must be seized, not wasted. We on the government side will continue to strengthen education by providing various programmes and assistance to guarantee the future of young people,” he said.
The assemblyman pointed to recent infrastructure upgrades at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Lundu, where renovations to the school hall, kitchen and Form 6 classrooms were completed at a cost of RM950,000.
These improvements, he noted, have enhanced the learning environment and reflect the government’s commitment to education development.
Beyond teachers, Sujang emphasised that students must also build resilience to meet the challenges of technological change and global competition.
His remarks align with broader initiatives in Sarawak, including AI-driven training programmes such as Ai Didik Sarawak and workshops led by Swinburne University, which aim to equip educators with ethical and practical AI skills.
The ceremony celebrated the achievements of several outstanding students. Jayven Vince Jeferiyo received both the Best Male Co-Curricular Award 2025 and the Best Co-Curricular Special Award 2025. The Best Female Co-Curricular Award 2025 was awarded to Kelly Yun Khai Lee.
In academics, Julius Mikhal Jackson was named Best Male Academic Award 2025 recipient, while Izabel Kris Tolit secured the Best Female Academic Award 2025. For personality recognition, I’Vonnie Grace Namhin received the Best Personality Special Award 2025.
Meanwhile, Goh Khai Juin earned both the Special Academic Award of the Year 2025 and the Special Principal Award of the Year 2025.
The event was attended by several key figures, including SMK Lundu Principal Mohamad Azizan Madehi, Lundu District Education Officer Baharom Othman, Lundu Deputy District Officer Anwar Fakhriyuddin Matamit, and SMK Lundu Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) President Mohamad Azim Unting Abdullah.
Sujang’s call reflects his broader advocacy for education in Sarawak. Earlier this year, he announced allocations for school upgrades in Senibong and Pasir Tengah, reinforcing his stance that investment in education infrastructure and digital readiness is vital for the state’s future.
With Sarawak’s Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development actively promoting AI and digital literacy programmes, the message from Lundu underscores a growing consensus: both teachers and students must embrace technological skills to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
