TAWAU: Apas Balung State Religious School (SAN), first planned nearly 29 years ago, has become the first religious school to apply artificial intelligence (AI) technology in its learning system.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (
pic) said he was impressed by the initiative, noting that the use of AI reflects current developments in education and shows that advanced technology is also being embraced by religious schools.
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Speaking after officiating the opening of the school on Sunday, Hajiji also praised the rapid construction of the project, which was completed within about three months through contributions from various parties before being expanded with government support.
He said the State Government supports the school management’s proposal to establish a state religious secondary school as a continuation of religious education, citing strong demand among the Muslim community in Sabah.
Meanwhile, SAN Apas Balung Development Committee chairman Sabran Zabur Abd Hamid said the RM1.5 million project, which began on Nov 8, 2025, was completed in 80 days and comprises two buildings with an initial capacity of 300 students, including a dedicated AI classroom.
