Onn Hafiz (left) at the smart classroom of SMK Tasek Utara, Johor Baru. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
THE Bangsa Johor Pilot Schools (SRBJ) have made history as the first government institutions in Malaysia to be recognised as Apple Distinguished Schools.
This global honour was previously reserved for fully residential institutions.
Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the achievement marked a significant milestone in the state’s vision to prepare students for a highly competitive, digital future.
“SRBJ now joins an exclusive group (outside of nine other schools in Malaysia, all of which are fully residential) to receive this international recognition from Apple,” he said.
Aznan said 2,496 iPads would be distributed to 2,264 students and 213 teachers under the initiative, through a strategic collaboration between the Johor government, Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation, Apple Education and sponsor QSR Brands.
He added 212 educators had been sent in phases to the National Institute of Education (NIE) in Singapore for training in pedagogical innovation, STEM subjects and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards – in preparation for a dual-curriculum model that included both national and international examinations.
“Johor’s education system must evolve to meet global expectations and SRBJ is just the beginning,” he told reporters after a parents and teachers sharing session at SMK Tasek Utara in Johor Baru.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the SRBJ initiative, which involved four pilot schools, was undergoing a transformation worth RM30mil, with RM6mil allocated by the state government and RM24mil pledged by corporate partners.
He added that the initiative, inspired by Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, aimed at producing world-class students who could thrive in a digital, borderless world.
“The Regent does not want our children to be left behind.
“His vision is for Johor to produce the best students in the country, capable of competing globally,” he said in his speech at the event.
The four SRBJ schools – SMK Tasek Utara, SK Tasek Utara, SMK Kota Puteri and SK Kota Puteri 4 – were chosen from more than 1,190 statewide.
These schools have since been upgraded with smart classrooms, AI-integrated computer labs, modern canteens, teachers’ lounges, amphitheatres, outdoor learning hubs and performance studios.
“We want every teacher to be comfortable and every student to thrive,” said Onn Hafiz.
SRBJ students will also sit for international exams such as the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), alongside Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), within the next two years.
“If they fail these exams, the SRBJ mission would have failed,” he said in calling for full cooperation from all stakeholders.
All SRBJ students from Year 4 onwards, along with their teachers, will also receive tablets provided under Raja Zarith Sofiah Foundation’s corporate social responsibility initiative.
“These are not for games. They are tools to expose our children to cutting-edge technology.”
Onn Hafiz also said RM27bil in foreign direct investments recorded in the first quarter of 2025, reinforced Johor’s need to cultivate top local talent.
“With high-paying job opportunities coming into Johor, we want our children to study, succeed and serve right here in Johor,” he said.
