Sharp Electronics (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Sharp Malaysia) will donate its Smart Classroom Solution to two Orang Asli primary schools as part of its CSR programme. Sharp Malaysia hopes to create a holistic learning environment for indigenous students in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE).
YB Dato’ Dr. Mah Hang Soon, Deputy Minister of Education, presided over the donation handover ceremony. While Mr. Hamedan Bin Aziz, Principal of Sekolah Kebangsaan Jernang, and Irene Tiew, Finance Director of Sharp Malaysia also attended ceremony.
With 61,225 indigenous people, Perak has been designated as one of the states with a sizable indigenous population. The school system has experienced low participation from Orang Asli students in recent years. Only primary-level formal education is provided to the majority of Orang Asli. The majority of students who have finished their primary education will, however, drop out of secondary school, which is a significant trend. In terms of education, they are trailing considerably behind other Malaysians.
To address these issues, the Malaysian government has set up funds for the Orang Asli people to help them improve their standard of living through subsidies, educational aid, and social support. Sharp Malaysia uses its technical resources and know-how to help students return to school and offer a better learning environment within the Orang Asli community. The collaboration between MOE and JAKOA seeks to increase Orang Asli students’ academic success and attendance rate, as well as to reach the unreached by digitally enabling individuals living in remote areas.
YB Dato’ Dr. Mah Hang Soon, Deputy Minister of Education, said “We have always placed special emphasis on the wellbeing of indigenous, especially in the aspect of education. To ensure they receive quality and relevant education, we have implemented the Orang Asli Education Transformation programme in line with the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025. On top of our efforts already in place to assist the Orang Asli community, we believe that working closely with other parties and the private sectors like Sharp Malaysia can help the community grasp digital opportunities to raise school attendance rates.”
Through a variety of initiatives, the government has placed a strong emphasis on the social welfare of the Orang Asli in the areas of economics, development, and education. In terms of education, the government has started a programme called Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society (SULAM) to enhance funding for transportation of Orang Asli children to school and to double the amount of money they get in pocket for secondary students from RM2 to RM4.
“The Ministry of Education Malaysia will always welcome the cooperation and CSR programs from different parties that direct towards quality and holistic education,” added YB Dato’ Dr. Mah Hang Soon.
For this effort, the MOE collaborated with JAKOA and shortlisted Sekolah Kebangsaan Jernang and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Bersih. Sharp will donate its Smart Classroom Solution to the two Perak schools as part of its CSR commitment in order to facilitate online courses and hybrid learning while also raising enrollment rates amid an endemic. Additionally, Sharp Malaysia is prepared to provide teachers with the knowledge and training they need to adopt digital classroom learning through its Smart Classroom Solution training programmes. This is all part of the company’s effort to improve quality of teaching by arming teachers with the necessary training and education.
The AQUOS TOUCH TV, an educational interactive touch screen created and produced in Malaysia, is the centrepiece of the Smart Classroom Solution. The AQUOS TOUCH TV, an educational interactive touch screen created and produced in Malaysia, is the centrepiece of the Smart Classroom Solution.
Sharp also offers a Dynabook laptop with a camera and built-in microphone for a complete video conferencing system. The new interactive method may provide an environment for students to study interactively and innovatively, preparing them for the future. As part of sophisticated technology, teachers may use the equipment to conduct more effective teaching sessions, while students can study in a fun environment using ICT equipment.
Managing Director of Sharp Malaysia, Mr Ting Yang Chung, said “As a responsible multinational company, Sharp is always exploring and finding new ways to help the education field and living community by leveraging our expertise. We see the importance of education towards the next generations and believe that it is our responsibility to provide a comprehensive educational environment, and access to technology for teachers and indigenous children.”
“With classrooms moving to digital, we believe that through this collaboration with MOE and JAKOA will be able to help the underprivileged communities and bring the smart solutions to every corner of Malaysia, ensuring no child is left behind,” added Ting.
The Smart Classroom Solution will benefit over 200 students and teachers at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jernang and over 170 students and teachers at Sekolah Kebangsaan Pos Bersih. The solution is in line with the Orang Asli Education Transformation initiative, which aims to increase the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digitalisation in schools across the country. Giving the Orang Asli this opportunity will enable them to receive a high-quality education that is relevant to their daily lives, which is in line with the Malaysian Education Blueprint 2013–2025.