S'wak education ministry calls for heritage sites to be documented for future generations
Donald (seated, centre) and other guests join the participants for a photo-call. – Photo by Jude Toyat
KUCHING (May 10): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has urged for the documentation of heritage buildings like the Old Hokkien School and Darul Kurnia to be preserved in the form of technical reports, journals, digital exhibitions, or archived at the state level for future reference.
Minister Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn made this call during the closing ceremony of the 'Timeless Treasures: The Legacy of Old Hokkien School & Darul Kurnia' exhibition at Plaza Merdeka today.
'These documentation efforts can serve as valuable references for future planning and research,' he said, represented by MEITD's Education Division head Donald Henry Nohed.
The three-day exhibition, running from May 9 to 11, showcased heritage documentation work carried out by third-semester students of the Certificate in Architectural Technology from Kolej Komuniti Kuching.
Supported by strategic partner PCSS Consultancy Sdn Bhd, the project involved on-site data collection and architectural drawing of historical buildings.
Sagah commended the effort, which aligned with Sarawak's vision to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as well as provided students with real-world, project-based learning experiences.
'This initiative not only offers hands-on exposure to students, but also nurtures a deeper sense of responsibility towards preserving our state's heritage.
'It reflects the government's commitment to making education more contextual, practical, and problem-solving oriented,' he said.
Additionally, Sagah also emphasised that heritage is not merely about physical remnants from the past, but a manifestation of identity, culture, and collective history.
'Structures like the Old Hokkien School and Darul Kurnia symbolise Sarawak's multicultural legacy and the evolution of its educational and social fabric,' he said.
As such, he encouraged the expansion of such programmes to other heritage sites across Sarawak, noting that hundreds of old buildings remain undocumented and are at risk of being lost over time.
Sagah also congratulated all stakeholders, including Kolej Komuniti Kuching, PCSS Consultancy, participating students, and the local community, for their contributions to the success of the programme.
'With this kind of collaborative effort, we are laying a strong foundation for educating the younger generation to appreciate and preserve our heritage,' he said.
The exhibition is part of an ongoing initiative to integrate historical exploration with technical education, fostering stronger ties between educational institutions, industries, and local communities. MEITD preserve heritage sites Roland Sagah
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