The Sabah Education Tech (SET) initiative is a transformative program designed to position Sabah as a leader in digital education, learning technology, and inclusive innovation. Launched successfully in 2024 with strong community and institutional support, SET is now being scaled through the establishment of the Sabah Education Technology Association (SETA)—a dedicated platform to coordinate, expand, and sustain this statewide effort.
Sabah continues to face significant challenges in education technology infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Unequal access to quality learning resources, a shortage of digital devices, and the absence of systematic support have widened the gap between urban and rural students.
In response, one of the flagship initiatives under SET is the Edu Tech Box Program—an innovative and inclusive approach designed to provide modular and hybrid learning solutions that enhance digital literacy, support STEM and TVET education, and empower rural youth and women through digital entrepreneurship (techpreneurship).
The Edu Tech Box is not merely a distribution channel for learning tools; it is a symbol of transformation—towards a more equitable, open, and competitive education ecosystem, aligned with Sabah’s vision of becoming a technology-driven education state by 2030.
This initiative directly supports the aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) and contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 1: No Poverty
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure
- SDG 8: Decent Work & Economic Growth
By distributing Edu Tech Boxes to rural schools, community centers, and TVET training hubs, SET aims to catalyze a phased, high-impact transformation of education across Sabah.
Why This Matters
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Practical solutions such as the EduTech Box will equip rural schools and B40 students with essential digital learning tools.
- Empowering Teachers & Communities: Training programs will enable teachers and facilitators to deliver impactful technology-based learning.
- Future-Ready Skills: With an emphasis on STEM, TVET, AI literacy, and digital entrepreneurship, SET prepares students and communities for future employment opportunities.
- Cross-Sector Partnerships: SET brings together government, private sector, GLCs, NGOs, and educational institutions, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
Strategic Goals (2026–2030)
- Provide Edu Tech Boxes to 200 rural and B40 schools.
- Train 1,000 teachers and community facilitators in digital learning.
- Empower 5,000 students with STEM, digital literacy, and AI skills.
- Expand community-based TVET and digital entrepreneurship programs.
- Establish smart, sustainable learning ecosystems at the grassroots level.
Call to Partnership
The Sabah Education Tech initiative is more than an education program—it is an investment in Sabah’s future. By supporting SETA, partners will play a vital role in closing the education gap, empowering rural communities, and driving socio-economic growth through inclusive and technology-enabled education.
Together, we can ensure that no learner is left behind in the digital era.
Introduction to Sabah Education Tech (SET)
The Sabah Education Tech (SET) initiative is a strategic program focusing on the advancement of digital education, learning technology, and inclusive educational innovation across the state of Sabah. Building upon the success of the inaugural SET 2024 program—implemented in the final quarter of 2024 with overwhelming support—this initiative is now being institutionalized through the establishment of the Sabah Education Technology Association (SETA).
SETA was founded in response to the pressing need for equitable access to quality education in rural areas and among the B40 community. It aspires to serve as a catalyst for strategic partnerships between government agencies, educational institutions, private sector stakeholders, and local communities in bridging the digital divide and transforming education delivery in Sabah.
Vision and Mission
Through flagship programs such as Sabah Education Tech (SET) and the EduTech Box initiative, SETA seeks to develop a sustainable, technology-driven learning ecosystem—with a strong emphasis on rural schools where digital resources remain limited.
Our mission is centered on:
- Advancing STEM education as a driver of future-ready skills.
- Building teacher capacity and developing community-based facilitators.
- Enhancing student digital literacy and promoting lifelong learning.
- Strengthening community empowerment through digital entrepreneurship and foundational TVET programs.
With a cross-sectoral approach and the support of ministries, GLCs, and NGOs, SETA is committed to leading Sabah’s educational transformation towards a more equitable, inclusive, and impactful digital era.
Implementation Framework (Commencing 2026)
Starting in 2026, SET will be rolled out in phases with four key areas of focus:
- EduTech Box Provision – Supplying digital education kits to schools and B40 students.
- Teacher & Facilitator Training – Developing skilled educators and digital community facilitators.
- Community Empowerment – Promoting digital entrepreneurship and foundational TVET programs.
- Smart Learning Ecosystems – Establishing sustainable, grassroots-based digital learning environments.
This phased approach ensures that the program is scalable, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of both schools and communities.
Strategic Focus Areas of SET
- Technology and Digital Education for rural and underserved students.
- Community Capacity Development through TVET in Sabah.
- Teacher and Community Training as technology facilitators.
- EduTech Box Development to support B40 families and schools.
- STEM Education, Digital Entrepreneurship, and Basic AI Literacy.
- Multi-sectoral Partnerships with ministries, GLCs, and NGOs to ensure long-term sustainability.
Conclusion
The Sabah Education Tech initiative is a forward-looking, community-driven program that aims to close the digital gap, enhance 21st-century learning opportunities, and create an inclusive and sustainable educational ecosystem for all Sabahans. By harnessing the collective strength of public, private, and community partnerships, SET is poised to deliver lasting impact in shaping the future of education in Sabah.
“Skills Today, Opportunities Tomorrow.”