PUTRAJAYA: Some 500 classrooms in 110 schools nationwide will be transformed into hybrid classes under a pioneer project by the Ministry of Education from next month.

The implementation of the Hybrid Class Pioneer Project is among the ministry's transformation programmes to enhance digitalisation and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the education sector.

Senior Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin said five classrooms in the schools would be selected under the implementation of the pioneer project.

"Apart from upgrading the digital and ICT infrastructure, the ministry will also enhance the software-design wide area network (SD-WAN) and local area network (LAN)," said Radzi in his speech at the Education Transformation Ceremony: ICT Empowerment ceremony at SMK Putrajaya Presint 18(1) here today.  

He said the ministry has set aside RM1.3 billion to upgrade all digital and ICT infrastructure at these schools.

"The implementation of the initiative started in 2020 beginning with the replacement of ICT infrastructures at school administrative offices.

"The initiative proceeded with the lease-to-use approach at other departments and units at the schools, which is being implemented in three phases starting this year," he said.

The first phase, that is almost 90 per cent completed, involved 3,910 schools and an allocation of RM411.8 million.

"Among the equipment being supplied and replaced include laptops, printers, projectors and charging ports," said Radzi.