PETALING JAYA: Effective implementation, teacher readiness and relevant content is more important than smart televisions (TVs), say education stakeholders.
National Union of the Teaching Profession secretary-general Fouzi Singon said smart TVs supplied to preschools, nurseries and kindergartens serve as a useful information and communication technology tool that can aid teaching and help capture students’ attention during lessons.
He, however, noted that technology should complement – not replace – the human touch in education.
“Smart TVs alone do not directly enhance students’ digital competencies. Classroom learning remains essential because teachers impart values like emotional intelligence, compassion and good manners – qualities that technology cannot replace,” he said.
National STEM Association president and founder Emerita Prof Datuk Dr Noraini Idris said introducing technology at an early age is a positive step, but the content shown must be suitable and meaningful for young children.
“If preschool children are just watching the smart TV, I don’t know whether they will understand. At that stage, learning must be fun and exploratory – they should be engaging with nature, early science and mathematics through play and discovery,” said Prof Noraini.
Teach For Malaysia chief executive officer Chan Soon Seng said teachers need both training and ongoing support, along with access to quality digital content and applications that make full use of the smart TVs’ features.
He added that the government’s allocation of RM115mil to provide in-service training for teachers is a timely move.
“It’s crucial that we invest in teachers because the quality of an education system cannot exceed the quality of its teachers.
“What will be key is ensuring that the training provided is of high quality,” he said.
Parent Action Group for Education chairman Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim said teachers must be properly trained to use these tools effectively.
“We’ve seen equipment break down in the past, so maintenance costs must also be factored into the budget,” she said.
On the increased focus on special education initiatives under Budget 2026, Noor Azimah said special education has long been overlooked, and it is encouraging to see greater emphasis placed on accommodating students with learning disabilities.
“Disability-friendly measures must evolve from being symbolic to being system – rooted in empathy, evidence and empowerment. When inclusion is built into the design of learning, it benefits every student, not just those with disabilities,” she said.
National Autism Society of Malaysia chairman Julian Wong also praised the government’s continued commitment to the Persons with Disabilities (PWD) community.
“The government has been very kind and supportive of the PWD community over the past few years. For two or three consecutive budgets, the government has looked into their needs – showing that they are paying attention and want to provide real assistance,” he said.
