Music education should be expanded as an inclusive platform to give more children, including those who are neurodivergent and from underprivileged families, opportunities to develop their talents, Sarawak Tribune reported, citing remarks by Sarawak Minister of Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah.
Speaking at the Prodigy Music Centre’s 16th Anniversary Awards and Concert in Kuching, Fatimah said the approach aligns with the ‘Every Child Matters’ principle, which emphasizes every child’s right to access development opportunities regardless of background or abilities, according to the report.
Fatimah said music education is not merely about mastering instruments or performing, but also helps develop discipline, self-confidence, creativity, emotional expression and resilience among children, Sarawak Tribune reported.
The minister welcomed the collaboration between Prodigy Music Centre and PETROS Foundation Berhad through Project NADI GEM, which provides music-based development opportunities for neurodivergent children and those from underprivileged backgrounds. She said collaboration between government, private sector, educational institutions, families and communities is important to ensure holistic child development efforts are not limited to any one party.
The event also recognized Prodigy students who achieved success in graded music examinations under the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and Trinity College London, as well as students who brought recognition to Prodigy and Sarawak in various music competitions, the report said.
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