KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus has launched the Diploma of Early Childhood Education in support of Sarawak’s goals of digital upskilling, and to cultivate and develop interests and talents in STEM.
Held at The Hive Design Studio, the event was graced by YB Dato Sri Hajah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK) Sarawak. Also present were representatives from government and non-government organizations, school counselors, and more than 30 kindergarten operators.
Ir Professor Lau Hieng Ho, Pro Vice-Chancellor, and Chief Executive Officer of Swinburne Sarawak in his welcome speech, said that Swinburne Sarawak is proud to support the Ministry’s goals to improve the quality of early childhood education in Sarawak.
“The ministry’s goals align with Swinburne’s focus on industry and community development.” We offer innovative programs that transform local communities, he said.
The program will include two practicums in the TASKA and TADIKA settings. To be completed in as little as 2.5 years, the curriculum prioritizes social-emotional learning. Educational principles, cultivation of compassion, and resilience within children will also be taught.
Graduates can also pathway to the bachelor’s degree program. Through credit recognition, Swinburne’s ECE diploma graduates will be able to study the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) at its Melbourne campus.
With the Australian ECE curriculum incorporated into the Sarawak context, students will experience high-quality and internationally recognised education.
Upon completion, students would have attained a deep understanding of how to attend to the needs of children.
Students will also be able to foster a positive and supportive relationship with families, childcare institutions, and the community.
Ting Mee Ling, Discipline Leader for the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and a lecturer in the School of Design and Arts at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus described Early Childhood Educators as passion-driven, purpose-oriented groundworkers.
“Early childhood teaching may not be for the faint-hearted, but ECE teachers have the privilege of nurturing future generations and are rewarded with how much a child flourishes under their guidance,” she added.
SPM students who want a career in early childhood education, as well as preschool operators, can also enroll in the program. Students who complete the diploma are equipped to secure employment in government or private early childhood establishments, or they may choose to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Swinburne Sarawak provides various avenues of support to alleviate the financial burden on students. These include an array of scholarships, bursaries, and flexible payment plans. Students who have excelled in their previous studies may be awarded one of the many scholarships. For instance, the Diploma Entrance Bursary provides a 15% deduction of the total fee for students entering a Swinburne Sarawak diploma.
Swinburne is an Australian university based in Melbourne, Australia. The Sarawak campus in Kuching is the only international, full-fledged branch campus of the university. Swinburne is ranked among the top 1% of universities globally in both the QS World University Rankings 2023 and the latest Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).