TAWAU, August 8, 2024 -- Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Wallace Bay in Pulau Sebatik, off here, is poised to receive improved internet connectivity, benefiting up to 25 teachers and 293 students, under a community initiative by Yayasan PETRONAS.
The initiative aims to provide improved internet connectivity at the school and extend it to the broader and nearby communities on the island in the future.
It was launched by State Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, accompanied by PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong, underscoring the significance of improved internet connectivity at the school.
Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin said, “Today marks a significant milestone for SMK Wallace Bay as it is now equipped with improved internet connectivity. This will undoubtedly open new horizons for the students, providing them with invaluable resources and opportunities for a brighter future. I am happy to note that this initiative is also in line with my ministry’s efforts in expanding internet access and coverage in Sabah, and minimising digital divide.”
At a glance
- Company
- Yayasan PETRONAS
- Location
- Tawau, Malaysia
Key figures
- Teachers at SMK Wallace Bay who may benefit
- up to 25
- Students at SMK Wallace Bay who may benefit
- 293
- STEM teachers targeted by Program Duta Guru
- 4,500
- Program Duta Guru target year
- 2030
People
- Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd ArifState Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation
- Datuk Ir Bacho PilongPETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management
- Azrinsyah Abdul AzizTeacher enrolled in Program Duta Guru at SMK Wallace Bay
Products and programs
Datuk Ir Bacho said, “Education is crucial for securing a better future. With the rapid advancement of technology, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education cannot be overstated. We believe that digital connectivity can enhance students’ learning experiences and support teachers in their educational efforts. This is one of PETRONAS’ initiatives to ensure we progress collectively as a nation.”
The event also featured Torch One of the nationwide PETRONAS 50 Homecoming tour making a stop at the school, honouring the indomitable spirit to overcome challenges and strive for success, exemplified by Datuk Ir Bacho himself, a native of Pulau Sebatik.
SMK Wallace Bay is also home to Azrinsyah Abdul Aziz, a teacher enrolled in Program Duta Guru, a flagship education programme by Yayasan PETRONAS, that aims to strengthen the capabilities of 4,500 STEM teachers nationwide, serving schools with a majority of underserved students, by 2030.
“Through Yayasan PETRONAS we are committed to supporting educators like Cikgu Azrinsyah at SMK Wallace Bay, who are dedicated in nurturing the next generation of leaders and problem solvers,” Datuk Ir Bacho added.
The community internet initiative comes as part of Yayasan PETRONAS’ commitment to uplifting communities across Malaysia via its three pillars – Education, Community Well-being and Development, and Environment.
By addressing the critical need for reliable internet connectivity in remote areas, the Foundation intends to empower local communities with access to greater educational resources.
Issued by:
Yayasan PETRONAS
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In brief
Yayasan PETRONAS has introduced a connectivity project at SMK Wallace Bay on Pulau Sebatik, with service improvements expected to benefit as many as 25 teachers and 293 students. The foundation says it intends to broaden access to nearby island communities in the future. The launch was attended by Sabah Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif and PETRONAS senior vice president Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong. The announcement links internet access with support for classroom learning and teachers’ work, including STEM education. The school also has a teacher participating in Program Duta Guru, which aims to build the skills of 4,500 STEM teachers across Malaysia by 2030, particularly in schools serving underserved students. The project is part of the foundation’s work in education, community development and environmental efforts.
Key takeaways
- Yayasan PETRONAS launched an internet connectivity initiative at SMK Wallace Bay on Pulau Sebatik.
- The project is expected to serve up to 25 teachers and 293 students.
- The foundation says it may extend connectivity to nearby communities in the future.
- Program Duta Guru aims to strengthen 4,500 STEM teachers’ capabilities by 2030.
Earlier from Yayasan PETRONAS
- Yayasan PETRONAS and Sabah Biodiversity Centre Ink MoU for Seagrass Mapping and Community-Based Programme
- Yayasan PETRONAS Releases 2023 Annual Report with a Focus on Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives
- Yayasan PETRONAS Launches Uplifting Lives Festive: Kaamatan 2024 in Ranau
- Yayasan PETRONAS Spreads Joy this Hari Raya Aidilfitri through its Uplifting Lives Festive Initiative
- Yang Dipertua Negeri Of Sabah Graces Yayasan Petronas’ Handing Over Of Haemodialysis Equipment
