CERDIK, a pilot initiative driven by Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) and Government-Linked Investment Companies (GLICs) in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Finance (MOF), offers a solution. Acting as a bridge to quickly enable digital learning, devices (laptops/tablets) and data connectivity are provided to students from lower-income families.
It is, however, not a one-off device donation drive, but a long-term effort to decrease the learning gap between those who can and cannot afford devices. This move is also expected to give students access to other educational digital experiences when schools reopen.
The initiative, announced under Budget 2021, was realised through contribution worth RM150 million by 22 GLCs/GLICs, representing companies under Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Permodalan Nasional Berhad, Yayasan Petronas, Employees Provident Fund and Lembaga Tabung Haji.
Hasanah, as the Secretariat, is the focal point for programme communications, the overall programme design, coordination, governance of contribution, monitoring implementation, and ensuring learnings are captured.