Johor bahru: The Bangsa Johor KEMAS Kindergarten (TKBJ) has become the first community kindergarten in Malaysia to integrate English-medium instruction and digital learning into its early childhood education programme. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stated that this initiative is a significant step toward modernising the country's early childhood education system, aiming to make it more competitive.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, highlighted that this approach supports the Johor Government's mission to cultivate a future generation with enhanced skills, digital literacy, and the competencies required for 21st-century education. He noted that TKBJ's uniqueness lies in its curriculum, pedagogy, and teaching methods, which distinguish it from other KEMAS kindergartens across the nation.
Ahmad Zahid emphasized that while the teaching of the Quran remains a priority, TKBJ places a strong emphasis on English language proficiency and incorporates modern technology into teaching and learning. The project is fully funded by the Johor Government, not KEMAS, underscoring its commitment to educational innovation.
Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stated that the Johor Government has allocated RM3.6 million to this initiative as part of its broader efforts to bolster early childhood education under the state's human capital development agenda. The programme spans five premises across four locations, with two in Johor Bahru and two in Pasir Gudang, housing a total of seven classrooms.
Onn Hafiz explained that the initiative is part of the Sekolah Rintis Bangsa Johor (SRBJ) ecosystem, introduced by the Regent of Johor, to ensure a structured and holistic educational approach from an early age. The RM3.6 million allocation includes infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, and syllabus enhancements across the five premises.
He further added that the programme exemplifies the strong collaboration between the Johor Government and the Rural and Regional Development Ministry through the Community Development Department (KEMAS) to improve early childhood education in the state.