The government plans to introduce a module focused on computer and programming in every school in an effort to develop human capital highly capable in digital technology, Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo said today.

He said this new initiative of the Pakatan Harapan government is aimed at enhancing student interest in digital innovation that can lead them into a career in the digital economy in the future.

“We are looking at various programmes around the world, including in Japan, South Korea and France which are advanced in technology.

“I'm still evaluating the available modules. We have to look at the best module suitable for the needs of our country and society.

“Once that has been completed, I hope to raise this proposal in the cabinet in two or three months’ time… this (initiative) will depend on the decision of the cabinet,” he said to reporters in Serdang.

Gobind (photo) said he would discuss the matter with Education Minister Maszlee Malik.

“Hopefully, in the next six months, we can come up with a system which every school can implement... studies that focus on computer and programming.

“This is something necessary. We don’t have time, we cannot fall back any longer as we need to keep up with the world,” he said.

Earlier, Gobind, who is Puchong MP, launched the Digital Maker Hub of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (Tamil) (SJKT) FES Serdang.

SJKT FES Serdang is one of the 22 MyDigitalMaker Champion Schools empowering digital manufacturing in schools.

Gobind also said that the #mydigitalmaker movement led by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is in line with the objective of his ministry to produce young people to face the new digital economy job market.

“Jobs of the future will require a high level of digital efficiency, not only in the use of technology but also to invent and innovate digital technology,” he said.

He hoped that the MyDigitalMaker Champion Schools programme will be expanded to cover other schools, including those in the remote areas of the country.

He suggested that schools, teachers and parents support this government effort to produce human capital in the digital field.

“Schools should nurture creative acumen and computational thinking among students and not merely focus on the academic curricula,” he said.

- Bernama