KUCHING, June 19: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak has unveiled its Diploma of Early Childhood Education (DECE) programme, reaffirming its dedication to providing high-quality education.
Sarawak’s Minister of Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development, Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah emphasised the newly-introduced curriculum serves as a platform for early childhood educators to attain world-class level of expertise and knowledge.
“Swinburne Sarawak is offering something different, an opportunity for students to work not only in Sarawak but also with this innovative curriculum,” she said this in her speech at Swinburne Sarawak’s launching of DECE held at The Hive Design Studio, Swinburne Sarawak Campus on Monday.
The programme’s first intake is scheduled to commence in September of this year.
Emphasising the importance of quality education in the state, Fatimah stressed the need for stringent recruitment processes and a comprehensive system to select suitable candidates.
She pointed out both qualifications and a passion for educating young children are essential in cultivating purpose-driven educators who can develop and device their own classroom curriculum.
“Institutions must be stringent in their recruitment process, hence there must be a proper system to choose the right candidate.
“We must ensure that quality assurance is fulfilled for the betterment of the early childhood sector,” she added.
Meanwhile Pro Vice-Chancellor of Swinburne Sarawak, Professor Lau Hieng Ho acknowledged that that the ministry’s goals for early childhood education aligns with Swinburne’s focus on industry and community engagement.
“Students will experience high-quality and internationally recognized education as the university has incorporated the Australian ECE curriculum into the Sarawak context.
“Upon completion, students would have attained a deep understanding of how to attend to the needs of children while fostering a supportive relationship with families as well as childcare institutions,” he said.
The DECE programme, which can be completed in within two and half years, includes two practicums in TASKA and TADIKA settings.
Also present at the launch was KPWK Head of Early Childhood Development Salina Bujang, President of Association of Kindergarten Operators Sarawak, Jason Kong and Swinburne Sarawak Discipline Leader for Diploma of Early Childhood Education Ting Mee Ling. – TVS
