08-06-2025
Sarawak Air Scouts soar to new heights
Celebrating trailblazers: (Seated from left) Zasran, Jerome, John, Zainuddin, Methodius and Azizah posing for a photo with the Sarawak Air Scouts.
The recent Sarawak Air Scout Secretariat (SPUS) presentation ceremony in Kuching marked a defining moment in the history of Air Scouting in Sarawak, celebrating a legacy of perseverance, teamwork and trailblazing achievements.
Held on May 17, the event, graced by Sarawak Scout chief commissioner John Lim, deputy chief commissioner Methodius Macdonald, SPUS adviser Captain Zainuddin Amar Hamdan, regional commissioner Azizah Sulong and executive secretary Zasran Abdullah, paid tribute to the transformation and excellence embodied by the state's Air Scouts and leaders.
The highlight of the day was the recognition of the first-ever batch of 36 Scouts and Air Scouts in Sarawak who successfully completed a demanding aviation programme – progressing through stages of airmanship courses and ultimately achieving the Junior Leading Airman rank, symbolised by the prestigious Full Wing badge worn proudly on their uniforms.
'This Full Wing is not given; it is earned.
'They are the very first group in Sarawak to reach this level in the Air Scouting programme.
'They are trailblazers, and they have set the bar for future generations,' said Sarawak Air Scouts assistant chief commissioner Jerome Lim Ee Wu.
In another proud moment, five dedicated Air Scout leaders were presented with the Air Scout Leader Competency Badge, officially recognising them as certified Air Scout leaders.
'Sarawak now has a total of six Certified Air Scout Leaders, including myself.
'Together, we carry the responsibility – and the dream – of building strong and vibrant Air Scout units across the state.
'Our hope is that this spark of passion in our Scouts will one day grow into full-fledged dreams, whether in aviation, engineering or leadership,' Jerome added.
The ceremony also honoured the academic excellence of outstanding Scouts Shamus Zachariah Teo Jia Cheng, Faith Sarah Lim Ern, Alessandro Orlando and Deborah Ling Jia Xing, who achieved stellar results in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 2024 exams.
Their success is a testament that scouting is not just a path to physical and leadership development, but also a discipline that fosters academic excellence, said Jerome.
'These Scouts are truly well-rounded – living examples of what it means to be disciplined, resilient, and role models to their peers,' Jerome said, describing the event as an affirmation of Air Scouting's mission – to shape character, ignite ambition, and inspire a generation to rise above and beyond.
In his keynote address, John called on all members to fully appreciate the opportunities the Air Scouting programme in the state offers.
'Make full use of it. Let it shape you. Use this foundation not only to dream big but to achieve big.
'Set your sights on becoming Air King Scouts, the highest honour in Air Scouting,' he said.
The ceremony concluded with the official installation of six SPUS officers.
