(Kuching, 24th) With the growing demand for digital devices such as iPads and laptops among students, the Sarawak government is researching whether to increase funding for the purchase of these devices.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, the Premier of Sarawak, pointed out that this consideration is based on feedback received, indicating that students are requesting more assistance in purchasing digital devices than books.
“We conducted a study and found that today's children prefer to download e-books on iPads and read reference materials directly from the devices, leading to a significantly reduced demand for physical books. Therefore, I have informed Datuk Anwar Rapaee, the Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development of Sarawak, that we should increase the budget for iPads, while proportionately reducing the budget for book vouchers. This suggestion will be considered in the next budget round.”
He stated this while attending the 'Sarawak Premier's Best Book Award' ceremony last night.
It is understood that the Sarawak government is currently implementing the 'Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance' and 'Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance' programs through the Sarawak Foundation, to assist B40 students in higher education institutions.
Abang Johari added that this move complements the Sarawak government's future push for free higher education policy.
He explained that these digital devices will become one of the main tools for students to acquire knowledge, an indispensable learning resource in future education.
Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari, the Premier of Sarawak, pointed out that this consideration is based on feedback received, indicating that students are requesting more assistance in purchasing digital devices than books.
“We conducted a study and found that today's children prefer to download e-books on iPads and read reference materials directly from the devices, leading to a significantly reduced demand for physical books. Therefore, I have informed Datuk Anwar Rapaee, the Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development of Sarawak, that we should increase the budget for iPads, while proportionately reducing the budget for book vouchers. This suggestion will be considered in the next budget round.”
He stated this while attending the 'Sarawak Premier's Best Book Award' ceremony last night.
It is understood that the Sarawak government is currently implementing the 'Sarawak Free Laptop Assistance' and 'Sarawak Book Voucher Assistance' programs through the Sarawak Foundation, to assist B40 students in higher education institutions.
Abang Johari added that this move complements the Sarawak government's future push for free higher education policy.
He explained that these digital devices will become one of the main tools for students to acquire knowledge, an indispensable learning resource in future education.