A total of 387 Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) across the country will receive 400 smartboards under a RM5 million allocation ahead of the new school term beginning on 10th January, Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister YB Dato’ Sri Ramanan Ramakrishnan announced.
The initiative, implemented through the Malaysian Indian Community Transformation Unit (MITRA), aims to modernise SJKT facilities and ensure students are not left behind in Malaysia’s national digitisation agenda. Dato Ramanan said schools were selected based on data from the Education Ministry’s Asset Management Division, with those having 800 pupils or fewer receiving one smartboard, while larger schools will receive two units. Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh were also presented at the event along with Dato Ramanan.
“This initiative is another commitment by the government to strengthen the SJKT education ecosystem, especially through the provision of modern facilities so that pupils are not left behind in the launch digitalisation wave in line with the Malaysia MADANI aspirations,” he said during the launch of the programme at SJKT Vivekananda, Brickfields.
Empowering SJKTs as Digital Learning Hubs
Dato Ramanan said the introduction of smartboards will transform classrooms into digital learning environments where students can develop essential 21st-century skills.
“With this facility, schools are also empowered to be digital learning hubs, places where children hone skills like critical thinking, creativity, and technology competencies,” he said.
Broader Investments in Tamil School Education
The smartboard rollout is only one component of the government’s wider support for Tamil school development this year. Other allocations already approved include: RM12.8 million to upgrade equipment, furniture, and maintenance for 305 Tamil primary schools, RM8 million for the MADANI Kalvi Free Tuition Programme for Indian B40 families and RM7.87 million for the Private Kindergarten Early Education Subsidy.
Dato Ramanan said MITRA has allocated RM33.67 million, representing one-third of it’s total yearly allocation, specifically for early and primary education support for Indian pupils in 2025.
“These initiatives reflect the government’s first commitment to uplifting the Indian community through quality education”, he said.
Sources: Bernama
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