KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Education Plan (RPM) 2026–2035 underscores the critical role of artificial intelligence (AI) in preparing Sabah’s next generation to thrive in the digital era, aligning with the nation’s strategic vision for the coming decade.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud said that the policy is a blueprint for building adaptive, competitive, and human-centric learners under the Malaysia MADANI framework, with digital literacy and AI as central components.
“In Sabah, equipping students with AI knowledge and skills is no longer optional—it is essential.
"We must ensure that children in rural areas such as Pitas, Ranau, and Nabawan have the same access to AI education and technology as those in Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur,” he said.
“Our goal is for every Sabahan child to actively participate in the global digital economy, not just observe it.”
He also added that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) will integrate AI to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in advanced industries, positioning TVET graduates as key drivers of innovation and economic progress.
Social justice in digital access is also a priority.
Mustapha Sakmud, who is also Sepanggar member of parlianet, noted that bridging the technological divide between urban and rural areas is crucial for creating equitable opportunities in AI learning.
“We cannot talk about first-class education if children are learning in environments without adequate digital infrastructure. Ensuring every school is equipped and digitally enabled is a necessity,” he said.
Beyond technical skills, the RPM 2026–2035 aims to cultivate balanced individuals who combine AI literacy with ethical values, integrity, and empathy.
“Education must develop not only intelligence but also compassion and character. Technology should enhance, not replace, human values,” he added.
He urged all segments of society to become ambassadors of the education transformation, applying innovative thinking and collaborative approaches across academics, NGOs, and communities to embed AI into learning nationwide.
“This transformation is a collective responsibility. AI and digital skills are at the heart of our vision, and Sabah must lead by example in ensuring inclusive, forward-looking education,” he emphasized.
The discourse, attended by about 200 participants including academics, educators, and community leaders, explored how AI, digital literacy, and innovation can shape Sabah’s education system to be inclusive, competitive, and aligned with the national transformation agenda.
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