The second phase of the programme was launched by Dato’ Sri Kamaruddin Siaraf,  Secretary General, Ministry of Information, Communications and Culture. Also present at the launching ceremony was Dato’ Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer, TM. 

The programme has a three-pronged objective which is to introduce the use of ICT in education, to introduce schools as community centre for ICT knowledge dissemination and to bridge the digital divide.  

Speaking at the launch, Dato’ Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd. Isa, Group Chief Executive Officer of TM said, “Recognizing the importance of education towards building a developed nation, TM is fully committed to playing our role. and this school adoption programme is yet another initiative under our well established Corporate Responsibility (CR). It is part of TM’s larger CR initiatives which encompass the four dimensions of workplace, marketplace, community and the environment. Our community initiatives are mirrored in 3 major socioeconomic causes that we champion namely education, community and nation building as well as the environment. Specifically for its school adoption programmes, TM has allocated RM1.47 million; with RM670,000 being allocated for the three schools under the second phase of Projek Sekolah Angkat Bersama KPKK & TM. We are happy to note that both school adoption programmes where we participate, Projek Sekolah Angkat Bersama KPKK & TM and PINTAR, have proven to be fruitful where its benefits have reached to more than 6,000 people inclusive of more than 4,000 students, more than 300 teachers and more than 1,100 members of the surrounding community.”  

Meanwhile Dato’ Sri Kamaruddin Siaraf said, “It is hoped that this school adoption programme, SMRAR will produce a group of students equipped with ICT knowledge who can also excel in their studies with the enhancement of education process through ICT applications. In addition, the Government would like to ensure that this programme will boost awareness amongst students in the rural areas on the importance of ICT and its impact to socioeconomic development. Students of SMRAR should grab this chance and fully utilize the education enhancement opportunities through ICT and other communications facilities provided for their own benefit as well as for the community and the nation.” 

Today’s launch marks the adoption of three schools under the three-year programme from July 2009 until July 2011. The other two schools adopted are Sekolah Kebangsaan Teriang in Kuala Klawang, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Pakan in Sarikei, Sarawak. 

Under this programme, the IT facilities and telecommunications infrastructure in the three schools have been upgraded. Various educational activities including training and workshops on examinations, English Language workshops, computer management and maintenance workshops, motivational courses are also conducted for the teachers, students and the community in the area.  

As for SMRAR, TM has facilitated the establishment of the school’s first computer lab under this school adoption programme. Courtesy of TM, the computer lab was air-conditioned and equipped with 13 new computers, complete with Streamyx Internet broadband connection as well as wireless broadband. In addition, TM also contributed furniture and reference books to the school’s library for the benefit of the students. TM also extended its environmental awareness programme, BumiKu, at the school by helping the school to start their very own landscaping project.  

This school adoption programme is a continuation from the first “Sekolah Angkat” project in collaboration with the then Ministry of Energy, Water and Communications in 2004. Under the first project, TM adopted Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Ayer Lanas, in Jeli, Kelantan (SMK Ayer Lanas) for three years from January 2004 until January 2007. 

TM also have other similar initiative to support education and community development which include Promoting Intelligence, Nurturing Talent and Advocating Responsibility or PINTAR programme which was initiated by the Ministry of Finance and driven by Khazanah Nasional together with Government-Linked Companies (GLCs). Under the second phase of this 3-year school adoption programme, TM adopted two schools namely SK Seri Bandan in Ayer Hitam, Johor and SK Tembak in Kuala Ketil, Kedah. Under the first phase of this programme from 2007 until 2009, TM had previously adopted another 2 schools namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Indera Muda (SKBIM) and Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Penanti (SKSP), in Bukit Mertajam, Penang. 

For more information on the Company’s other CR programmes, visit www.tm.com.my.