Opinion Date: 18 July 2024, Reading
Akademie Renaissance prepares students for entry into top-notch universities in the English-speaking world and global citizenship!
Commentary And Analysis . . .
Congratulations are in order for the people of Sarawak. They have officially adopted English as the language while keeping Bahasa Malaysia.
This decision may be more logical than the federal government not prioritizing English in school.
Despite being rich in natural resources, Sarawak has remained underdeveloped and impoverished after helping form Malaysia 61 years ago.
It's time for Sarawak to demonstrate political will on education by implementing the drastic changes needed for the century.
There's need for radical educational reform in Malaysia. The focus should be on the English language.
Politicians and educators in Malaysia recognise the importance of English.
However, they lack the courage for standing up against misguided arguments and politically-driven policies on Bahasa Malaysia.
If we had prioritised the English language two generations ago, citizens would be better equipped for navigating the challenges of globalisation and thereby achieve high-income nation status.
The intelligent decision in Sarawak on the English language ensures educational renaissance in the Territory.
It serves as launching pad for reaching new heights, leaving behind politically divisive and language-focused obstacles from the past.
Renaissance Schools . . .
Sarawak needs new direction for the education system: Renaissance schools. This concept should complement making English the 2nd official language.
Sarawak educators and policymakers, working together, can create "Akademie Renaissance" (AR), in tribute for the philosopher Plato.
The initiative can be named after Plato's famous work, "The Academy".
The goal: the government collaborating with leaders in education for developing innovative schools for the 21st century.
The focus remains on total human development from kindergarten until university.
This effort will set an example for other nations as a model of a truly global school that incorporates technology and culture.
AR will have clear mission: preparing students for global citizenship, and specialising in chosen fields of study through high-quality schooling from kindergarten through secondary school.
The ultimate objective: these academies will become top choices for students seeking entry into prestigious universities in English-speaking countries like the US, UK, Australia, and others in Europe and Asia.
First Step . . .
The first step would be establishing secondary/high school.
AR, inspired by cutting-edge educational philosophies, would cultivate critical thinkers, innovators, and lifelong learners excelling in all areas of learning and thereby contributing for the betterment of society and Malaysia.
The mission, vision, and operating principles for AR follow:
The focus at AR remains on global education for global citizenship.
The curriculum sets AR apart from traditional government schools. There's strong emphasis on English language as the medium of instruction.
The goal prepares students for admission into top-ranked colleges and universities where the English language was the medium of instruction.
The faculty consists of diverse educators, both local and international, passionate about teaching, dedicated on academic excellence, and the emotional and cultural growth of students.
AR, committed on providing equal opportunities for quality education, include students from economically disadvantaged families.
The priority admission would be for the most talented and promising children in Sarawak and Sabah.
The preference can be for students whose parents did not pursue higher education and orphans.
AR's vision creates diverse student population that reflects Malaysia. Every student has potential for succeeding against all odds. AR will produce future leaders.
They will contribute towards one of Malaysia's key development goals: poverty alleviation. Priority will remain on the educational advancement of children in Sarawak.
AR not only offers international curriculum, based on 21st-century learning paradigms, it will also strive for architectural innovation.
The school buildings, designed in harmony with elements living in the 21st century, will be culturally and intellectually responsive.
Traditional And Modern . . .
The AR Schools in Malaysian Borneo will incorporate both traditional and modern design elements.
The Sarawak campus will reflect the Territory's emphasis on environmental sustainability and cultural diversity.
These schools, besides serving as educational facilities for the community, will also promote entrepreneurship by connecting local artisans with the global market through advanced technologies.
Additionally, AR Schools will showcase historical artifacts curated by students and faculty, and incorporate research-driven scientific thinking at all levels of learning.
These schools will also embrace cultural diversity and the importance of aligning development with nature and emerging technologies, as well as promoting concepts like "ecosophy" for balance in material and spiritual progress.
Akademie Renaissance will set an example for others in Sarawak as well as other Malaysian states that could benefit from educational reform.
It's crucial that educational experts and global thinkers are involved in shaping this initiative for long-term success and English language proficiency among students.
Kudos to Sarawakians for choosing the path less travelled, one that will help make all the difference in generations ahead.
American poet Robert Frost once said of the road not taken and how the one taken made the difference.
Let's support the way forward for this first step in educational advancement.
-- Azly Rahman
Dr Azly Rahman, US-based educationist and author of ten books, has joined the newly-revived CPI (Center for Policy Initiatives) as Council Member.
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by the author/contributor do not necessarily represent those of the Center for Policy Initiatives (CPI).
