KUCHING — The Sarawak Government is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive education by embracing technological innovation and early intervention strategies to improve access to education for children with special needs.
Minister for Women, Child and Community Welfare of Sarawak, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah, reiterated this stance at the closing ceremony of the 6th International Conference on Special Education (ICSE 2025) held at Hotel UCSI, Kuching, on Sunday.
She noted that the theme of this year’s conference, “Technology for Disabilities: A Path to Inclusion,” underlines the transformative role of technology in promoting educational equality. “We believe that inclusive development begins with inclusive education. Technology is not just a tool—it is a bridge to equal access and opportunity,” she said.
The conference, organised by the SEAMEO Regional Centre for Special Educational Needs (SEAMEO SEN), also featured the Inclusive Education Innovation Contest (iDIEC), which showcased empathy-driven solutions to challenges in special education.
Dato Sri Fatimah highlighted the success of Sarawak’s state-driven initiatives like SeDidik and the One-Stop Early Intervention Centre (OSEIC). SeDidik currently supports nearly 200 children with special needs in orphanages, with all teaching staff trained in inclusive practices, including sign language.
Meanwhile, OSEIC centres operating in Kuching and Dalat have served over 600 children. These centres operate in collaboration with Japanese firm TOY8, leveraging digital tools for early screening and intervention.
“We cannot allow children who have completed therapy to be left behind. Structured efforts are underway to ensure a smooth and inclusive transition into formal education,” Dato Sri Fatimah stressed.
The two-day international event also saw strong participation from women and youth, reaffirming Sarawak’s vision of an inclusive society where every voice matters and no one is left behind.
