Turning out more IT-Savvy Sabahans

By Elaine Mah
Pictures by Ille Tugimin

260, 662 Sabahans have been trained in various Information and Communication Technology (ICT) courses since the Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology introduced free courses in 2005. This year, a total of 57, 500 individuals have received training in one or more of the 51 different ICT courses sponsored by the Ministry, including Computerised Accounting, Photoshop, Webpage Design and Word Processing.

Speaking to recipients of training certificates at a ceremony at Wisma Bandaraya today, Minister of Resource Development and Information Technology Datuk Dr. Yee Moh Chai congratulated and thanked all participants of the program.

He told them, "We want to promote ICT and create a society that is knowledge based, and you all are part of this larger picture," he said.

"I want to thank you because we can only be successful in implementing this program with your participation."

Aside from ICT courses, the Ministry also offers 4 free language courses - English, Korean, Mandarin and Japanese. 9,617 individuals have been trained in conversational English, 346 in Japanese, 342 in Korean and 200 in Mandarin.

Dr. Yee said the language training was  important and helpful to  jobseekers, especially young people who might be handicapped by their lack of language command when attending job interviews.

"They might fail to get the job if their command of language is not up to standard," he said.

Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Resource Development and Information Technology Datuk Jainab Ayid told Insight Sabah that the mastery of language would add value to individuals and help them to progress further in their careers.

Commenting on the ICT courses, Jainab said that Sabah is one of the few states that have a programme to empower its people with knowledge and skill of information technology.

However, Jainab also sees some disadvantages of the Internet along with its obvious advantages. She cautions internet users against its downsides, saying that it could lead to unhealthy and immoral obsessions.

"We have to find a way to teach our young children to surf the internet in a safe and responsible manner," she said.

Among those present was Peter Masamil, a representative from the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA), who came to receive the certificates on behalf of 66 young members of KDCA between 10 and 15 years of age. They were trained by the Ministry in various ICT courses.

"It is very beneficial for our young children to be equipped with ICT knowledge. If there are more courses in the future, I will certainly encourage the children to join," he told Insight Sabah reporters.

SK Lok Yuk Headmaster Judin Diana, who received the certificates on behalf of 50 of his students similarly praised the program. He sent Primary 6 students to ICT courses as part of the school's post-UPSR activities, to keep them gainfully occupied.

"Our school currently does not have a computer lab. So, we are fortunate to have this program," he said. - Insight Sabah