Sound national development depends on quality human capital - Salleh 
KOTA BELUD, April 25 (Bernama) -- Sound national development depends on the success of producing quality human capital that meets the needs of the 21st century, said Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak.
In this regard, he said it was of utmost importance to identify and adopt the latest approaches to developing truly talented human capital that contributed to national development.
"In this context, we have to ensure that students are no longer the mundane human capital to just meet the needs of industry but have the talent to compete and contribute to solving current and future challenges.
"Hence, the development of talent among students has to showcase features such as critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, collaboration and teamwork, creativity and innovativeness, and cultural literacy.
"I believe students with these qualities can meet the needs of the country to compete and face global challenges," he said when opening the 'frog classroom' programme hub for the Kota Belud district at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Said near here today.
The 'frog classroom' is a programme that transforms the classroom into a cheerful area for collaboration and engagement necessary for learning in the 21st century.
Salleh said human capital development in the country should no longer be solely dependent on providing access but developing quality experience and knowledge that an individual would be able to acquire.
"This is because intellectual capital will be able to ensure quality and sustainable national development," he said.
Commenting on the programme, Salleh praised YTL Corporation Bhd for sponsoring the Frog Classroom at SMK Agama Tun Said, particularly in providing the tables and chairs, physical equipment and paint.
"I believe YTL's efforts in helping to establish the Frog Classroom will create some new trends such as globalisation, mobility, collaboration, evolution in learning and teaching, and maximum use of e-digital technology," he said.
The classroom transformation is a joint effort by the YTL Foundation and all the teachers and students of the schools as well as parents.
-- BERNAMA
