Pledge on Chinese education
Published on: Friday, May 30, 2025
Published on: Fri, May 30, 2025 Text Size: Clement and Simon. Kota Kinabalu: The Kota Kinabalu Foochow Association reaffirmed its dedication to advancing Chinese education while expanding its community service mission. Its President Simon Ting Ching Sing said independent Chinese high schools serve as the cultural backbone of Malaysia's Chinese community and deserve widespread societal support. He said this during a donation ceremony here Thursday where he led a delegation of committee members and senior advisors to present RM35, 000 to Kian Kok Middle School. The funds will establish the school's pioneering Electric Vehicle (EV) Fundamentals course, designed to equip students with cutting-edge automotive technology skills. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Simon said the association's evolving role in supporting education is beyond its traditional community service mandate. 'Independent Chinese high schools are not only the cultural lifeblood of the Malaysian Chinese community but also a source of pride and admiration among overseas Chinese,' he said.
Advertisement 'These schools uphold mother tongue education while actively promoting Chinese cultural activities, making them worthy of continued support from all sectors of society,' he added. The new course will introduce students to electric vehicle technology through hands-on learning, including component disassembly and reassembly exercises, preparing them for the rapidly evolving automotive industry. Kian Kok Middle School's Board Chairman, Datuk Clement Yeh Chang, welcomed the donation as validation of the school's educational direction and a significant boost for secondary-level technological education. He described the global shift toward electric vehicles as an irreversible trend, citing Tesla's technological leadership, worldwide bans on fuel-powered vehicles and Southeast Asia's expanding EV infrastructure as evidence of a fundamental transformation in transportation and energy sectors. 'As the world moves toward green sustainability and intelligent transportation, the rise of electric vehicles has become an irreversible trend,' said Clement. 'We are witnessing a profound transformation in transportation and energy industries,' he added. The donation will fund curriculum development, experimental equipment, model kits and teacher training to establish a comprehensive teaching framework for the EV Fundamentals course, which represents a cornerstone of the school's science and technology education expansion. Clement characterised the contribution as more than financial support, describing it as spiritual encouragement that symbolises collaborative partnership between educational institutions and community organizations working toward shared objectives. He pledged that Kian Kok Middle School would maximise the funding's impact to broaden students' technological perspectives and develop future professionals with practical skills and global competitiveness, while expressing gratitude for Simon's strong advocacy. Following the ceremony, Vice Chairman Edvin Koh guided the Foochow Association delegation through the school's culinary arts training facilities, showcasing current programme developments and equipment in what officials described as warm and meaningful exchanges. The school community expressed appreciation for the Kota Kinabalu Foochow Association's generous support and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who will contribute meaningfully to society. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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