KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government is set to engage experts to improve English language proficiency among students in the state, says Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif.
Describing this as a primary focus for the year, the Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister said he would meet with education directors from higher learning institutions and experts to gather input on the initiative.
“It is important to enhance English proficiency in the state. I will soon meet with the education directors from Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), and teacher training colleges, as well as several experts, to brainstorm and identify the best approach to achieve our goals.
“We will seek their opinions on strategies to strengthen students' mastery of the English language,” he said.
Speaking to the media at the PRISMA Education Sector Engagement for N31 Membakut at Dewan Seri Wawasan, Pimping, on Tuesday (Dec 31), Mohd Arifin added that the state would also focus on improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
“We want to further strengthen TVET and STEM in Sabah,” he said.
Mohd Arifin, who is also the Education Exco, revealed that Sabah’s first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre is in the pipeline, with discussions already underway with lecturers and experts from UMS.
“This centre requires expertise, and we aim to position Sabah as an AI hub due to its significant potential. Hopefully, this AI Centre will benefit universities, higher education institutions, and schools.
“We need AI expertise among the public and students, particularly. I am confident that Sabah’s skills and capabilities in AI will contribute to future employment opportunities, as AI will play a key role in the job market of tomorrow,” he noted.
Sabah’s intention to establish an AI centre was first announced by Mohd Arifin in his winding-up speech for the Supply Bill (2025) 2024 debate at the Sabah State Assembly in November.
