KUCHING: Sarawak is looking to strengthen climate change awareness and green education initiatives through potential collaboration with National Geographic Learning, following a courtesy call by its representatives on Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg today.
Held at the Premier’s Office in the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) complex here, the meeting centred on expanding STEM, sustainability and environmental education efforts among students and communities across the state.
Senior regional director of National Geographic Learning Michael Cahill said the organisation was working closely with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) and the state’s Economic Planning Unit to promote climate change awareness and green education in Sarawak.
“We are working with educators and communities across Sarawak to help them become more aware of climate change, sustainability and green education,” he told reporters after the meeting.
Cahill said National Geographic Learning also intended to highlight Sarawak’s green energy and sustainability efforts through educational materials and international engagement.
“We are working with the ministry to include case studies of Sarawak and how Sarawak is approaching the challenge of climate change.
“So we adapt our materials by including those case studies that showcase the success Sarawak has had and the challenges it continues to address,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Geographic Learning managing director Charles Shim said the organisation has been involved in Sarawak’s education ecosystem since 2018, covering pre-school, primary and secondary learning programmes.
He said the programmes focused on STEM education, technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
“Today’s visit was to update the Premier on what we have done, what can be done and what we can collaborate on with the Sarawak government, especially in enhancing STEM learning, sciences and technology,” he said.
Shim added that the Premier welcomed continued collaboration aimed at preparing younger generations for a greener future.
Shim also revealed that Sarawak has been registered as a UNESCO Green Education Partner member at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
“The recognition places Sarawak among 99 countries participating in the global green education initiative,” he said.