SERIAN – For Sarawak to truly develop, the state’s leaders maintain, success must be measured not merely in roads or GDP, but in the quality of education and strength of its human capital.
At the Tagap Mancang Programme Opening Ceremony on Friday, the state’s Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, emphasised that students should be nurtured to think critically, devise solutions, and adapt to a changing job landscape, rather than simply memorising information.
He affirmed that education lies at the heart of Sarawak’s development agenda. Among the key initiatives under his ministry is the Sarawak Education Enhancement Programme (SEEP), with RM15 million allocated to boost SPM performance and support weaker students in core and science subjects.
Another priority is expanding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, aiming for 60 percent student participation by 2030.
Minister Sagah also highlighted the forthcoming UP-DLP (Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme) assessment for Year 6 pupils, scheduled on 15-16 October 2025, as a key early test of Sarawak’s dual language learning model in science and mathematics taught in English.
He remarked that the results of this first assessment will serve as a benchmark to track the effectiveness of the teaching approach over time.
Sarawak’s education reforms, from SEEP’s targeted support to the dual-language assessment, reflect broader ambitions to elevate student outcomes and produce a workforce equipped for future challenges.
But success will depend on consistent execution, support for underperforming schools, and ensuring all students have access to quality instruction.
As Sarawak strides toward higher-income status and greater regional competitiveness, its leaders argue that investments in education and human capital are every bit as essential as infrastructure and industry.