KUALA LUMPUR: Lessons in almost 400 Tamil schools nationwide will be more interactive and digitalised by the start of the 2026 school year, says Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
The Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister said this will be done through the distribution of 400 smartboards for 387 selected SJK(T)s by Jan 10 next year.
He said the initiative will be implemented through the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (Mitra) with a RM5mil allocation.
“The goal is to empower schools to become 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,” he said during the launch of the smartboard initiative ceremony by Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek here yesterday.
According to Ramanan, schools with fewer than 800 pupils will receive one smartboard each while schools with over 800 students will receive two each, based on Education Ministry data.
“Mitra, together with Yayasan Didik Negara, will also provide specialised ICT training for teachers at the selected schools before the start of the 2026 school year.
“This training will help teachers master the use of smartboards and related software, and learn new interactive and effective digital teaching techniques,” he said.
Elevated learning: Ramanan (third from left), Fadhlina (centre) and Wong (third from right) at the ICT equipment handover for SJK(T) Vivekananda in Kuala Lumpur. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
Ramanan also said the government has allocated another RM12.8mil for Mitra to further improve the quality and effectiveness of Tamil schools nationwide.
This will include equipment and furniture upgrades for 305 schools along with maintenance work.
“This is proof that the Madani Government not only speaks about quality education but implements it with concrete actions for the future of our children, regardless of race or religion,” he added.
Fadhlina praised the initiative as a potential driver for the national education’s digital evolution.
“This initiative symbolises Mitra’s commitment, along 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.
Regarding speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle, Ramanan said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has not informed him about the matter.
“I have not been told about a possible reshuffle.
“But for now, I think it’s best to let the Prime Minister make the announcement whenever he sees fit,” Ramanan said in a press conference.
This comes as the PKR vice-president was among the notable names being floated ahead of a possible reshuffle to fill current vacancies in the Cabinet.
On Dec 1, Anwar hinted that a major Cabinet reshuffle is not on the cards, with only current vacancies set to be filled.
