‘Give a child English, you give them the world’: Premier stresses English, STEM literacy for future leaders

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 17: Mastery of English must be strengthened as it is the primary language for global communication, trade, science, and technology, with over 90 per cent of STEM journals worldwide published in English.

Recognising this, the Sarawak government is committed to enhancing English literacy as a cornerstone for developing high-quality human capital, supporting the ambitions of the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg stressed that students who lack proficiency in English will face significant challenges in accessing global research and innovations.

“English proficiency must be paired with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education to equip Sarawak’s youth to become innovators and future leaders,” he said.

He made these remarks in a speech read by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee at the opening ceremony of the Sarawak English Literacy Conference (SELC) 2025 at Theatre Hotel today.

The Premier highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including the renovation of underperforming schools, expansion of internet access, enhanced teacher training, and early literacy programmes such as Jolly Phonics in Betong since 2019.

“These programmes have proven effective in improving rural students’ reading, spelling, and spoken English skills,” he noted.

Abang Johari also announced the launch of the Sarawak Language Association, a platform to advance language development not only in English, but also in Bahasa Malaysia and ethnic languages such as Iban, Bidayuh, and Melanau.

“Through this initiative, Sarawak can nurture citizens as global citizens fluent in English while preserving local identity through mother tongues. Education is the greatest equaliser. If you give a child English, you give them the world,” he said.

He added that strategic investments in early literacy, STEM education, and language initiatives are crucial to achieving PCDS 2030’s goal of transforming Sarawak into an advanced, high-income, and inclusive region by 2030. — DayakDaily

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