Kuala lumpur: Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) is being positioned as a 'laboratory' and an early investment by the Johor state government to nurture local STEM talent. Johor's Economic and Investment Advisor, Datuk Seri Hasni Mohammad, emphasized the importance of engineers, technocrats, and accountants in attracting high-tech multinationals, especially with the development of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Hasni highlighted the need for a progressive approach to investing in STEM talent, drawing parallels with China, where millions of graduates bolster its industrial ecosystem and economic stability. He referenced the book "What It Takes: Southeast Asia" by former Indonesian Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, noting that Southeast Asia produces approximately 750,000 STEM graduates annually, compared to China's 4.5 million.
'In countries like China, STEM graduates are a key driver of growth. I am confident that SRBJ is building a strong talent pool in both STEM and English,' Hasni stated. As the executive chairman of the Johor Economic, Tourism and Culture Office (JETCO), he also stressed that SRBJ's emphasis on English language proficiency is crucial for developing cognitive, critical thinking, and data-driven decision-making skills among local talent.
He further explained that mastering languages contributes to the intellectual capacity of Johor's people, enabling them to make informed decisions. Skilled graduates, he added, are essential not only for high-tech industries but also for maintaining Johor's competitive regional economy.
The Simpang Renggam MP shared his plans to adopt the state government's approach in his constituency, particularly in rural schools, following the SRBJ model. Although in its initial phases, the plan might involve collaborations with nearby data centre companies to enhance the education ecosystem.
Meanwhile, State Information and Education Committee chairman Aznan Tamin described the SRBJ education ecosystem as holistic and continuous, extending from early childhood education to workforce preparation. He mentioned ongoing efforts to refine the Tadika Rintis Bangsa Johor programme in partnership with various educational and community departments as a feeder system for SRBJ.
Aznan articulated the state government's strategic education plan, aiming for Johor to lead in quality education and cultivate a competitive Bangsa Johor generation by 2031. Inspired by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, SRBJ is currently implemented in four Johor Bahru schools, recognized as Apple Distinguished Schools.
In collaboration with the Johor State Education Department, SRBJ emphasizes English and Malay proficiency, STEM skills, character development, employability, and competency assessments, aligning with international standards and Ministry of Education policies. The overall SRBJ project involves an investment of RM54 million, with RM31.22 million allocated for Phase One and RM22.78 million for Phase Two, focusing on infrastructure upgrades and the implementation of high-impact educational modules.