Primary school teachers receive Raspberry Pi training certificates

Miri – 12 May 2023 – 25 primary school teachers from Miri Division received certificates marking the end of their training under the Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development’s (MEITD) Raspberry Pi training programme at a certificate presentation ceremony at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) on Wednesday.

The training in northern Sarawak was jointly delivered on behalf of MEITD by Curtin Malaysia and Riam Institute of Technology (Riamtec), while University Technology Sarawak (UTS) and Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus covered the central and southern regions.

Officiating at the ceremony on behalf of the Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development was Deputy Minister II (Talent Development) Datuk Francis Harden Hollis.

Also present were MEITD Permanent Secretary Haji Azmi bin Haji Bujang, Assistant Secretary Nur Zara Arissa binti Michael, and Vocational Training Assistant Officer Lawrence anak Entinggie; Sarawak Education Department (JPNS) Deputy Director Dr. Les anak Met and Senior Assistant Director of TMK Unit – Learning Sector Dr. Ong Ewe Gnoh.

Representing Swinburne Sarawak were Head of School of Design and Arts Associate Prof. Hugh Leong and Raspberry Pi Master Trainer Ir. Dr. Hudyjaya Siswoyo Jo.

Curtin Malaysia, meanwhile, was represented by Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor Prof. Vincent Lee, Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Science Prof. Tuong-Thuy Vu, Associate Dean of External Engagement Assoc. Prof. Ir. Lim Chye Ing, Dean of Learning and Teaching Prof. Tang Fu Ee, and Director of School of Pre-U and Continuing Education (SPACE) Assoc. Prof. Fidella Tiew.

In his speech delivered on behalf of Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive Prof. Simon Leunig, Prof. Lee remarked that the certificate presentation ceremony celebrated the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of the teachers.

He said the Raspberry Pi training programme was designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become proficient in using Raspberry Pi, one of the most popular and versatile computing platforms in the world.

“We look forward to seeing how, as members of the growing global Raspberry Pi community, they will use this newfound knowledge to make a positive impact in their teaching profession, to take on new challenges and push the boundaries of technology, and help make Sarawak a truly technologically-advanced state,” he said.

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Datuk Francis said that by the end of this year, Sarawak would have trained as many as 1,265 teachers in the basic use of Raspberry Pi.

“So far, our ministry has provided at least 9,000 units of Raspberry Pi to primary schools in Sarawak. This is in line with our objectives to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and ICT education among students,” he said.

Sarawak made the choice of using Raspberry Pi for schools in the state as it is a proven tool for digital education. It is a powerful and accessible resource that can be used to teach everything from coding and programming to electronics and robotics.

Raspberry Pi’s user-friendly interface and setup make it easy for students to get started without needing extensive knowledge of computer technology, and it allows them to learn through a hands-on approach, which promotes hands-on learning and encourages creativity.

It is also great for collaborative, project-based learning where students can collaborate to build projects, fostering team-building and problem-solving skills, which are critical for success in real-world careers.

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Representatives from MEITD, JPNS, Curtin Malaysia and Swinburne Sarawak at the ceremony

Deputy Minister Datuk Francis Harden Hollis addressing the teachers

A teacher receiving a mock certificate on behalf of all the participating teachers

Group photo of METID, JPNS, Curtin and Swinburne representatives with the participating teachers and trainers