KUCHING – In a strategic push to lessen the digital divide in rural education, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak) conducted an AI-powered teaching workshop for over 30 secondary school teachers in Bau.
The workshop, part of the Digitalizing Bau initiative, was held in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), the Bau District Education office, and SMK Lake.
Led by Associate Professor Dr Miko Chang May Lee, Head of School of Information and Communication Technologies, Swinburne Sarawak, with a team of academics who are also subject-matter experts in artificial intelligence, data science, software development and software engineering, the one-day workshop was attended by schoolteachers from SMK Lake, SMK Paku, SMK Singai, and SMK Bau.
The participants were introduced to an engaging, hands-on introduction to AI fundamentals, the ethical considerations such as data privacy and bias, and practical application on prompt engineering, lesson planning and assessment using AI tools.
Participants presenting their project ideas, which help strengthen their understanding and applicable knowledge gained from the workshop.
According to Prof Dr Chang, the workshop was tailored to the realities of teaching in the rural context. “We focused on real-world use cases instead of abstract theory. This ensures participants leave the workshop with actionable strategies,” she added.
Adding depth to the program is the presence of Professor Dr Patrick Then, Founding Chief Executive Officer of the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre (SAIC). Professor Then delivered a keynote address on Sarawak’s Sovereign AI and Digital Twin initiatives, where he highlighted the role of AI in transforming key sectors in Sarawak. These include healthcare, agriculture, urban development, and education. He also stresses the importance of inclusive innovation and community engagement.
Equipping educators with digital knowledge will inspire students and introduce AI concepts in meaningful and actionable ways. “The ripple effect of this one-day workshop is a catalyst and is critical in ensuring rural communities are not left behind,” Prof Dr Chang added.
Swinburne Sarawak equips over 30 rural educators with practical AI teaching skills, advancing digital inclusion through the Digitalising Bau initiative.
Many of the participants expressed interest in a follow-up workshop, with deeper, more technical training, particularly in AI-driven data analysis and content creation.
With its vision of people and technology working together to build a better world, the Australian university remains focused on delivering impactful, inclusive digital education training and programs that support Sarawakians in adapting to technological transformation.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).