Swinburne University Empowers 690+ Early Childhood Educators to Embrace New National Preschool Curriculum
More than 690 early childhood educators from Kuching, Padawan, and Miri participated in training programs focused on the Kurikulum Prasekolah 2026 (KP2026), organized by Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus. These programs are designed to enhance preschool readiness in the region.
Training Collaboration and Objectives
The training sessions, conducted in partnership with the Association of Kindergarten Operators (AKO) and endorsed by the Ministry of Education Malaysia, are part of the national rollout for KP2026 aimed at private preschools.
Key Training Events
Two major training events took place at Swinburne Sarawak’s Kuching campus, with the first event on November 29 and 30, 2025, engaging over 192 educators. A follow-up session on January 17 and 18, 2026, attracted more than 330 kindergarten operators, principals, and teachers. Additionally, an event held at MYY Mall in Miri on December 6 and 7, 2025, involved more than 168 participants from the northern region.
Focus on Competency-Based Learning
The KP2026 training emphasized a shift from subject-based teaching to competency-based learning, focusing on holistic child development. The program’s theme, Insan Sejahtera, aims to support the nurturing of well-rounded children in emotional, intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social domains.
Interactive Learning and Implementation
Participants engaged in discussions on various topics, including digital literacy, character education, socioemotional development, and cognitive skills. The training involved demonstrations, group discussions, and hands-on activities, equipping educators with strategies to effectively implement KP2026 curriculum standards in their classrooms.
Transformative Approach to Early Childhood Education
A principal and trainer involved in the program noted that KP2026 represents a shift in mindset rather than merely an update to the syllabus, placing emphasis on character, competency, and child well-being in the learning process. Participants reported increased confidence in utilizing the PK2026 framework, particularly in adopting child-centered learning approaches, recognizing the curriculum’s alignment with children’s developmental needs and classroom realities.
Aligning with Global Standards
An Early Childhood Education lecturer at Swinburne Sarawak stated that KP2026 aligns Malaysian early childhood education with global best practices, moving away from traditional methods towards a competency-driven model. This shift underscores the heightened professional demands on early childhood educators and the need for greater recognition and support.
Commitment to Education Enhancement
Another lecturer highlighted Swinburne Sarawak’s commitment to enhancing early childhood education through collaboration with industry partners during the KP2026 rollout. This initiative ensures that academic programs remain aligned with national educational priorities while providing support to educators during this significant curriculum shift.
Partnership and Practical Experience
The partnership between Swinburne Sarawak and AKO builds on a longstanding relationship, with AKO leading the training sessions while Swinburne Sarawak contributed academic expertise and facilities. Students enrolled in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education (DECE) program gained practical experience in implementing the national curriculum, bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world application.
Compliance and Continuous Development
All DECE lecturers participated in the training to familiarize themselves with KP2026 requirements, ensuring that the academic content and assessments are compliant with the new national preschool curriculum. This effort is supported by the President of AKO, who is also a member of Swinburne Sarawak’s Course Advisory Committee for DECE.
Future Collaborations
The successful completion of these training sessions reflects the commitment of Swinburne Sarawak to community engagement and adherence to national education priorities. Future plans include ongoing collaboration between Swinburne Sarawak and AKO, with additional training and initiatives intended to support preschools as they transition to KP2026.
For more information, interested parties are encouraged to explore the official website and social media channels of Swinburne Sarawak.
Source: Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
