BAU: In a bold move to accelerate digital education in the Bau District, SMK Lake has launched the inaugural 'Digitalizing Bau' programme—an ambitious initiative supported by the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC) and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak.

This ground-breaking programme is closely aligned with the Ministry of Education (KPM) Malaysia’s seven core thrusts for transformative change in the education sector.

Fully funded by the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), 'Digitalizing Bau' brought together more than 30 teachers, 40 students, and 40 Parent-Teacher Association members from SMK Bau, SMK Paku, and SMK Singai.

Held at SMK Lake, the event featured a wide array of interactive and hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and innovation among participants.

One standout session was a drone exploration workshop, led by local educator, Liew Tho Lip.

The highlight of the competition saw SMK Lake’s Team 3 claim top honours for an innovative drone landing solution.

Adding strategic weight to the programme, the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre played a pivotal role in promoting the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into school curricula.

SAIC Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dr. Patrick Then, delivered a compelling keynote on the 'Sarawak Sovereign AI' vision, calling on educators to champion AI literacy from within their classrooms.

“We need school teachers to impart knowledge to the young generation about the foundation of the Sarawak AI model—which is built on Sarawak’s assets and people,” he said.

Participants also benefited from an engaging session on gamification in education by Dr. Kho Siaw Hui, while Dr. Ng Siaw Hai, a School Improvement Specialised Coach (SiSC TVET) from the Kuching Education District, introduced digital certification tools via the DELIMa platform.

Meanwhile, Swinburne’s research and innovation team, led by Associate Professor Dr. Miko Chang, conducted workshops to empower teachers with AI and digital literacy skills aimed at reinforcing future-ready teaching practices.

In his closing remarks, Bau District Education Officer, Edward Ngelai emphasised the critical need to enhance digital literacy, particularly in the context of globalisation and the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Representing MEITD Permanent Secretary, Wes Mirid, he also encouraged students to put their newly gained digital skills to the test in both local and international innovation competitions.

Chaired by Swim Mining of SMK Lake, the 'Digitalizing Bau' programme sets a strong precedent for community-driven, future-focused education.

She said it reflects not only SMK Lake’s commitment to educational innovation but also SAIC’s forward-looking vision in cultivating Sarawak’s digital and AI capabilities from the ground up. -UKASnews