Latest news with #Sarawakian
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak approves effort to boost bilingual proficiency
KUCHING: The Sarawak Government will begin implementing a standardised assessment for the Dual Language Programme (DLP) based on international standards of Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUP&A) for Year Six students in October. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced that the Education Ministry has granted approval for the Sarawak education, innovation and talent development ministry (MEITD) to collaborate with Cambridge University to roll out the initiative. 'This DLP programme will be reviewed and validated by Cambridge University Press and Assessment to ensure its implementation aligns with international standards,' he said in a statement issued by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit yesterday. The announcement follows the signing of a service contract between CUP&A and Swinburne Innovation Malaysia (SWIM) in Cambridge on Wednesday. The event was part of the premier's working visit to the United Kingdom, which began on Tuesday. Jane Mann, managing director of Partnerships for Education at CUP&A, represented the Cambridge side, while SWIM was represented by its chief executive officer George Ngui, Bernama reported. According to Abang Johari, the programme would follow the national curriculum utilising Bahasa Malaysia as the primary medium, while English would serve as the secondary medium for assessment based on Cambridge's international syllabus. Swinburne University, a strategic partner in the initiative, would work alongside Cambridge to implement the assessments in Sarawak. 'This initiative aims to produce students proficient in both languages, thereby equipping them to pursue higher education in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics,' he added. The premier also noted that MEITD is collaborating with Cambridge University to develop a range of high-quality bilingual programmes and scholarship opportunities to allow Sarawakian students to pursue studies in emerging strategic economic sectors. He added that both parties had agreed to facilitate the placement of qualified Sarawakian students from international school systems in world-renowned institutions, including the University of Cambridge, Oxford and the London School of Economics in the United Kingdom, as well as Harvard University in the United States. 'Sarawak is targeting a special quota of 10 placements for outstanding students in selected fields,' Abang Johari added.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
No Sarawakian left behind in drive for inclusive growth, says Abang Johari in Gawai message
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang wishes all Dayak celebrants and fellow Sarawakians a joyful and blessed Gawai Dayak celebration. – Photo courtesy of Premier's Office KUCHING (May 31): Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), set to begin next year, will enable many Sarawakians from underprivileged and rural backgrounds to pursue higher education at the degree level, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said the initiative, which is part of the state's broader push for inclusive development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aims to ensure that no one is left behind. 'In other words, the prosperity of Sarawak must benefit all Sarawakians, regardless of religious background, lineage, or where they live,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message. Abang Johari emphasised that education is the best tool for uplifting communities and narrowing socio-economic disparities across the state. 'I strongly believe that education is the most powerful and effective way to unite every race in this state to jointly achieve the development of this state. 'The free education initiative at the university level or FTES starting next year is a step to open up opportunities for Sarawakian children without having to worry about the financial capabilities of the students' families,' he said. He noted that FTES, which is expected to cost RM300 million in its first year, will support 10,000 students enrolled in four state-owned higher learning institutions in 2026. 'This initiative includes free tuition fees and an allowance of RM15,000 per year for students from families earning RM1,500 or less per month,' he said. The Premier said the scheme will prioritise degree programmes in fields that are crucial for Sarawak's future workforce needs, namely Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), medicine, law, accounting, finance, and psychology. He said these fields were chosen to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge required by a rapidly evolving job market. He also highlighted the state's efforts to strengthen access to world-class education through the establishment of Yayasan Sarawak International Schools. 'Admission to these schools is open to all Sarawakians who demonstrate academic excellence, especially children of farmers, fishermen, and those from the B40 group. 'Through this initiative, I am confident that many Sarawakian children will have the opportunity to be accepted into renowned universities such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and Stanford University in the United States,' he said. On another matter, Abang Johari said Sarawak is exploring plans to convert 5,000km of unused logging roads, such as those in Kapit division, into public roads to improve rural connectivity and economic access. He said this initiative is part of the Sarawak government's development strategy to fast-track infrastructure delivery in rural and interior areas. 'If implemented, this plan will greatly improve rural connectivity through a more structured road network,' he said. He acknowledged that many rural and remote areas in Sarawak still lack sufficient infrastructure to support the movement of people and agricultural logistics. 'The conventional administrative and development approach is no longer sufficient to accelerate development in Sarawak, which is almost the size of Peninsular Malaysia which is divided into 11 states under the administration of 11 Menteri Besars and Chief Ministers. 'Therefore, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has established local development agencies under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) to further intensify development efforts across Sarawak, especially in rural areas that require infrastructure and public utilities,' he said. He said the GPS government under his leadership, with the strong support of his colleagues in the State Cabinet, has worked hard over the past eight years to increase Sarawak's revenue. 'Alhamdulillah, Sarawak's revenue in 2024 has increased to RM15 billion from around RM6 billion eight years ago. 'With this increase revenue, the Sarawak government can implement more robust development programmes with greater confidence and vigour, particularly in terms of providing infrastructure facilities such as roads, bridges, costal roads, the Second Trunk Road to shorten travel distance between Kuching and Sibu, and access roads in rural areas,' he said. He said this month alone, two bridges were officially open to the public namely the Batang Rajang Bridge not far from Sarikei to facilitate travel from Sarikei to Tanjung Manis, and the Saribas Bridge No.1. 'I officiated the Batang Rajang Bridge on May 17, which is the fourth bridge completed this year in a major plan to upgrade infrastructure facilities in Sarawak to catalyse economic growth. 'On May 25, the fifth bridge across Batang Saribas namely the 1.55km Saribas Bridge No.1 which cost RM376 million, was opened for public use,' he said. He also said that other bridges expected to be completed this year are the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar I, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh, and Sejingkat bridges. 'The construction of these bridges are among the 12 planned bridges, demonstrating the GPS government's commitment to upgrading Sarawak's road transport network to facilitate the movement of people, agricultural products and industrial products,' he added. Abang Johari also touched on the recent mutual agreement between the Sarawak government and federal government in moving forward to develop the oil and gas industry in Sarawak in the spirit of respecting both federal and state laws. 'It is the aspiration of the people of Sarawak to utilise the returns from the state's natural resources to develop our state. 'Once again, I would like to thank the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for understanding our people's hopes for Sarawak to progress like other developed regions,' he said. He said these aspirations are the legacy of past leaders who were other leaders of this country in the formation of Malaysia in 1963. 'The hopes of those leaders in 1963 are also the hopes of Sarawakians today – that Sarawak will one day become a developed and high-income region as envisioned in the PCDS 2030,' he said.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- Borneo Post
Streamlined MyKad procedure a relief for Sarawakians without K-indicator
Fatimah visits the service counters. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (May 31): The process of registering for a MyKad with the K-indicator – signifying Sarawakian status – has now been simplified for newly-registered Malaysian citizens born in Sarawak, thanks to new conditions and streamlined procedures implemented by the National Registration Department (JPN). The improved process has already begun to benefit many Sarawakians, especially those who had previously faced hurdles in confirming their status. 'Now, the procedure is so much easier; they only require us to provide our current identification card (IC) and other supporting documents to prove we were born in Sarawak, and they will immediately replace it,' said Jerremy Chua, 41, who came to the Sarawak National Registration Department (JPN) office here to apply for the K-indicator. Jerremy Chua Chua, who was born in Sarawak but has lived in Johor Bahru for over two decades due to work, explained that his MyKad had been reissued in Johor without the K-indicator – something he hadn't noticed at the time. 'I was not aware of the benefits that come with having a Sarawakian status, so I didn't pay any mind to the missing K-indicator on my IC until the immigration officer questioned me about my nationality status. 'It was difficult to return to my hometown as I would only be granted a visitor's pass,' he said. He added that now, with the streamlined process, he can put his concerns to rest. 'I am married to a non-Sarawakian and we have a son born in Johor Bahru. Now that I am officially recognised as a Sarawakian, with the K-indicator on my MyKad, I can also apply for my son to obtain Sarawakian citizenship,' he said. Fatimah speaks to the visitors at JPN. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Also at the JPN was Rayani Usman, 38, who expressed her happiness over the new implementation for Sarawakian IC registration. 'I came here to inquire about the procedure to apply for a MyKad with Sarawakian status for my daughter, as my family lives in Peninsular Malaysia. I feel at ease knowing that she is eligible to receive Sarawakian citizenship,' she said. Rayani, an Indonesian citizen, has been married to a Sarawakian for more than 10 years and is currently undergoing the process to apply for permanent residency. 'I am glad knowing that my citizenship won't hinder my child from acquiring Malaysian citizenship and Sarawakian status,' she added. Rayani Usman This initiative reflects the state government's commitment to resolving the issue of registered Malaysian citizens in Sarawak being denied the K-indicator on their MyKads, denoting them as Sarawakians and excluding them from all state initiatives. They were met following State Minister for Women, Children, and Community Wellbeing Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah's official visit to the state JPN office here yesterday. Speaking to the media after her meeting with JPN officials, Fatimah said that following the state Cabinet approval on Sept 26, 2024, JPN Sarawak now has the authority to approve Sarawakian status for individuals born in the state. citizenship JPN K indicator MyKad
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's Reach Ten posts RM7.1 million for 1QFY25, declares maiden dividend
Looking ahead, Reach Ten said the company remains upbeat about its outlook, supported by sustained growth in Malaysia's telecommunications sector. KUCHING (May 30): Newly listed Sarawakian telecommunications provider Reach Ten Holdings Berhad (Reach Ten) recorded a net profit of RM7.1 million on revenue of RM23.1 million for its first quarter results for the period ended March 31, 2025 (1QFY25). The results only cover February and March, following the completion of its subsidiaries' merger on February 5. For the two-month period, Reach Ten garnered an earnings per share of 0.89 sen. Gross profit stood at RM11.5 million, translating to a gross margin of 49.7 per cent. It also declared its first ever interim single-tier dividend of 1.0 sen per share for the financial year ending December 31, 2025 (FY25). The company in a statement today said the RM10 million payout will be made on July 21, 2025 to shareholders listed in the Record of Depositors as of June 30, 2025. Managing director Leo Chin said the dividend reflects the Company's commitment to deliver shareholder value, in line with its policy to distribute up to 30 per cent of net profit. 'With healthy cash and bank balances, as well as fixed deposits of RM63 million, Reach Ten aims to maintain a balanced approach between rewarding shareholders through dividend distributions and retaining sufficient capital to support future growth and strategic initiatives,' he said. Leo Chin The company said its strong margin was supported by the completion of service scopes under the VSAT broadband project in FY24 and continued extensions of the project this year. 'Revenue for the quarter was mainly driven by its satellite-based communication networks and services segment, which contributed 63.2 per cent of total revenue. 'Fibre optic communication networks and services accounted for 21.4 per cent, while telecommunications infrastructure and managed services contributed 15.4 per cent,' it added. There are no comparative figures from the same period last year as this is the company's second interim financial report following its Main Market listing on May 2. Chin added that the figures reflect only two months of post-merger performance, and that on a full-quarter basis, revenue and net profit would have been RM28.4 million and RM8.2 million respectively. Looking ahead, Reach Ten said the company remains upbeat about its outlook, supported by sustained growth in Malaysia's telecommunications sector. National broadband coverage in populated areas has reached 97.28 per cent, pointing to steady demand for connectivity. Sarawak has also experienced consistent growth, reinforcing the region's long-term potential. 'We remain confident in our growth trajectory, supported by rising demand for digital connectivity, favourable government policies, and continued infrastructure expansion. 'Our focus on underserved markets, especially in Sarawak, positions us well to capture future opportunities and deliver long-term shareholder value,' added Chin.
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Over 10,000 expected at Yang di-Pertuan Agong's birthday celebration in Limbang
(Seated, from left) Unos, Dr Abdul Rahman, Sagah and others hold the event promotional poster during the press conference. MIRI (May 29): More than 10,000 visitors from Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, and the Federal Territory of Labuan are expected to enliven the official celebration of the 17th Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday in Sarawak, which will be held in Limbang from June 11 to June 15. Minister in-charge of the event, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, at a press conference today said the Limbang Division has been chosen as the host for this year's celebration. He said the event is hosted by a different division each year to promote awareness of the monarchy's significance among all levels of Sarawakian society. 'We are giving every division in Sarawak, including Limbang, the opportunity to host the official celebration of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday. This year, Limbang was selected to give its people a chance to understand the significance and importance of the monarchy institution. 'In the context of unity, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is a symbol of strength for our country's ethnic diversity and serves as a balance for justice and welfare among Malaysians,' said Sagah. Sagah, who is also the State Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, said various exciting programmes will be held throughout the five-day celebration. Among the highlights are Interfaith Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Limbang Civic Centre (June 11), 'Raja Kita' Exhibition at the Limbang Civic Centre (June 12 to 15), Special Sermons at all mosques in Sarawak (June 13), Thanksgiving Ceremony at the Jannatul Firdaus Mosque, Limbang at 6pm (June 13), and Tea Reception at the Limbang Civic Center (June 14). There will also be side events such as Limbang Kitchen, Limbang Idol, and more. Also present at the press conference were the Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Project Coordinator for Regional Development Agencies, Kuching North City Hall and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Limbang Resident Unos Tambi. birthday celebration limbang Yang di-Pertuan Agong
