KUALA LUMPUR: Lessons in Tamil schools nationwide are set to become more interactive and digitalised with the installation of 400 smartboards across nearly 400 selected schools by the start of the 2026 school year.
Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said the smartboards will be distributed through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra), with RM5mil allocated for the initiative. All 400 units are expected to be delivered to 387 selected Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) (SJK(T)) by January 10 next year.
"The goal is to empower SJK(T)s into digital learning hubs that provoke critical thinking, creativity and technology proficiency in line with our national education aspirations.
"With this, we want to ensure students are not left behind in the nation’s digitalisation agenda," Ramanan said during the launch ceremony of the initiative on Tuesday (Dec 9).
Schools with fewer than 800 students will receive one smartboard each, while those with more than 800 students will receive two, based on Education Ministry data.
Ramanan said Mitra and Yayasan Didik Negara (YDN) will provide specialised ICT training for teachers at selected schools before the 2026 school year begins.
"This training will help teachers master the use of smartboards, related software, and learn new interactive and effective digital teaching techniques," he added.
The government has also allocated a further RM12.8mil for Mitra to upgrade equipment and furniture at 305 SJK(T)s and carry out vital maintenance work nationwide.
"This is aligned with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s vision that quality education is the foundation for building a Madani Malaysian society.
"This is proof that the Madani government not only talks about quality education but implements it with concrete actions for the future of our children—regardless of race or religion," Ramanan said.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek, who officiated the ceremony, praised the initiative as a potential driver of national education’s digital transformation.
"This initiative symbolises the unified commitment of Mitra, together with my Ministry, to ensure all children across the country have access to effective digital education.
"With this, we hope to develop a new generation that is not only digitally savvy but also confident and able to compete on the global stage," she said.
