Telang Usan rep urges rural students to embrace higher education opportunities

Borneo Post

5 days ago

Yap (third left) officiates the Tegas Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 on behalf of Dennis at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday as others look on.
MIRI (July 29): Rural students are urged to seize the opportunity to further their studies to higher levels, taking advantage of various financial assistance schemes and other educational initiatives provided by the Sarawak government for a brighter future, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dato Dennis Ngau.
He said the Sarawak government has, over the years, taken proactive measures in the education sector to ensure that all Sarawakians, including those in rural areas, have access to quality education and the chance to improve their standard of living.
'Among the steps taken are through the state government's scholarship and financial aid programmes, which include various forms of scholarships, education loans and financial assistance such as the Yayasan Sarawak Scholarships, Yayasan Sarawak Study Loans and the Sarawak Tertiary Education Loan (STEL),' he said in his speech at the for Tabung Ekonomi Gagasan Anak Sarawak (Tegas) Project of Dream Realised (Pro-DR) roadshow 2025 held at SMK Long Lama, Baram yesterday.
His speech was delivered by his representative, Penghulu Desmond Yap.
He further noted that the establishment of the Yayasan Sarawak International Schools is also a commendable initiative as it provides opportunities for high-achieving students from low- and middle-income families to access international-standard education either for free or at subsidised rates.
Dennis, who also sits on the board of trustees for Tegas said the state government is equally attentive to the welfare of students in rural areas by working closely with the federal government to upgrade dilapidated schools and enhance educational facilities in the interior.
'These measures clearly reflect the Sarawak government's strong commitment to empowering its people through education, with the aim of nurturing competitive human capital prepared to face future challenges,' he added.
On the outreach roadshow, Dennis said that the roadshow programme is a travelling education and career carnival organised by the Sarawak government through Tegas, with the support of the state Education Department.
'This edition of the roadshow features the participation of more than 30 institutions of higher learning and training, government agencies, and organisations offering financial assistance,' he said.
He added that the main objective of the roadshow is to help rural students pursue their dream careers through education, regardless of their academic qualifications.
'Aside from the education fair and information booths on financial assistance, there are also side activities such as talks, exhibitions and interactive sessions aimed at raising awareness on digital innovation opportunities in TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), within the context of the digital economy,' he said.
He called on all students, especially those in rural areas, to make full use of the opportunity to visit the booths and gather information about study opportunities, available courses and financial aid options.
At the same function, Dennis also announced an allocation of RM15,000 for the establishment of a Tegas Think & Thinker (T&T) mini lab at SMK Long Lama.
'This is part of our efforts to improve the quality of education for students in the area, ensuring they are not left behind in terms of technological knowledge and that they have the opportunity to explore their talents in the field of innovation,' he said.
Among those present were Telang Usan district officer Ezra Uda, SMK Long Lama's senior assistant (administration) Ting Shiau Kiong, Tegas Community Innovative Learning senior manager Fredrick Kevin Buseli and SMK Long Lama Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) chairman Geoffrey Lejau Lucas.