THE government will introduce a new curriculum for early childhood education centres under the Community Development Department (Kemas), with the aim of getting children interested in science and technology from a young age, said Rural and Regional Development Minister Rina Harun.

“We made a module that allows children to have a more exciting curriculum, and hopefully it will be extended to the rest of the country,” Rina said at the Kemas annual general meeting today in Sungai Koyan 3.

Known as e-STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), the programme is expected to be implemented by July, and will include themes such as aviation, astronomy robotics and marine education.

E-STREAM is an offline web application that can be accessed even without internet connection, ensuring education access to rural areas without broadband connectivity.

Rina said in the age of electronic education, no child should be left behind.

“We do not want any children to be left behind in education. They should get access whether in the city or rural areas.

“There are going to be many programmes as we will (also) offer courses online,” said the Titiwangsa MP.

The Wanita Bersatu chief said women should be commended for playing a big role in the development of the rural communities.

“Half of our voters around the country are women, while 70% of university students are also women.

“We in Pakatan Harapan believe women are not only housewives but are career women and have the potential to play a big role in community growth” she told The Malaysian Insight.

She also said that the new module is in line with the Harapan Rural Development Plan 2018-2023.

The plan aims to improve the wellbeing of the rural community as a whole through the development of infrastructure, economy, entrepreneurship, human capital, women and delivery system. – January 18, 2019.