KANOWIT – Students at SMK Kanowit took part in the JIWA@Kelab Malaysiaku programme on 30 September, combining lessons on national identity and civic awareness with guidance on responsible internet use.
The programme was organised by the Kanowit District Information Department (JAPEN) in collaboration with the school’s Kelab Malaysiaku and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Sibu Division.
The initiative brought together two areas of youth education: understanding Malaysia’s national identity and developing awareness of safe and responsible participation in the digital environment.
The programme opened with a session on the formation of Malaysia, the National Coat of Arms and the Rukun Negara, delivered by Kanowit District Information Officer Rinta Engkamat.
The session introduced students to key elements of the country’s history and national identity, while highlighting the role of national symbols and the Rukun Negara in civic life.
The Rukun Negara, introduced as Malaysia’s national principles, provides a framework of values associated with social harmony and national unity.
The programme used the subject as part of a broader effort to encourage students to understand their responsibilities as members of Malaysian society.
The session also provided an opportunity for students to consider the significance of national symbols and historical knowledge in developing an understanding of the country’s identity.
The programme then shifted towards digital literacy, with MCMC Sibu Division officer Audry Gerry delivering a briefing under the Safe Internet Campaign.
The briefing focused on the importance of using the internet wisely, ethically and responsibly. The subject is particularly relevant to young people who increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication, education, information, and entertainment.
Responsible internet use includes being aware of online risks, considering the consequences of digital activity and making informed decisions when interacting with content and other users.
By combining civic education with digital awareness, the programme provided students with guidance covering both their role in society and their conduct in the online environment.
The activities were held at the SMK Kanowit computer laboratory, providing a setting suited to the programme’s digital literacy component.
An interactive quiz was also conducted to reinforce the information presented during the sessions. The activity gave students an opportunity to test their understanding while encouraging participation in a less formal learning environment.
The use of interactive activities also allowed the organisers to engage students beyond conventional presentations and encourage them to participate directly in the programme.
The collaboration between JAPEN, Kelab Malaysiaku and MCMC also brought together organisations with different areas of focus.
JAPEN contributed civic and national awareness content, while MCMC provided information related to responsible internet use.
Kelab Malaysiaku served as the school-based platform for student participation in the initiative.
The programme forms part of JAPEN’s efforts to engage young people through civic education while working with schools and other agencies.
Its focus on national identity and digital literacy reflects the range of issues facing students as they develop both their civic understanding and their online presence.
For students, exposure to both areas provides an opportunity to consider how personal values, national identity and responsible digital behaviour intersect in everyday life.
The programme also strengthened cooperation between the Kanowit District Information Department and SMK Kanowit, with the participating agencies using the school environment to deliver educational content directly to students. – Sarawak Daily
