Follow Sarawak’s lead in getting Singapore’s help in education, says Annuar

Sarawak deputy education, innovation and talent development minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said the state has been working with the Singapore International Foundation since July 2023 to upskill its mathematics teachers. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: Sarawak is one step ahead of the federal government in getting Singapore to help improve its standard of education, says a state deputy minister.

Sarawak deputy education, innovation and talent development minister Dr Annuar Rapaee said the state has been working closely with the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) since July 2023 on a programme for mathematics teachers, which will run until 2027.

“Sarawak is asking for Singapore not to train but rather, ‘upgrade’ our maths teachers for more sustainable long-term results. The collaboration with SIF involves 100 teachers in the Kuching, Serian and Samarahan divisions.

“My suggestion to the federal government is to follow Sarawak’s way in which we work with SIF,” he said, according to The Borneo Post.

Annuar said the programme with SIF is aimed at boosting the content and pedagogical knowledge of primary schools maths teachers, while improving their facilitation skills.

It involves online and onsite workshops, structured sharing sessions, and even a study visit to Singapore for selected teachers.

Annuar also cast doubt on Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s proposal to bring Singaporean volunteers to Malaysia to teach English to the urban poor and those in the interior of East Malaysia.

He said the federal education ministry would be better off partnering with SIF rather than bringing in volunteers.

“Singapore is ranked among the best globally for their Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa) results. This is why we are working with Singapore,” he said.

Anwar previously said his proposal would involve volunteers, not actual teachers, from Singapore with the city-state to cover the costs.