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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak group calls for dedicated ICSS funding, UEC recognition, inclusion in national education
Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board has urged the federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools. — File photo KUCHING (June 8):The federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools. This resolution was adopted by the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board during its recent annual general meeting (AGM). The association said this grant should be available to all ICSS nationwide to help improve educational facilities, campus buildings and teacher training. 'This support is important to raise education quality and ensure fair distribution of resources among schools,' said the association in a statement today. Another resolution called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to establish a regular dialogue platform involving the federal government, Sarawak govenrment and the association. This platform, the association explained, would enable ongoing discussions on policies, resources and cooperation, helping to address the needs of ICSS, support effective policy implementation and align ICSS development with national talent goals. Additionally, it urged the MoE to revise its policies to formally recognise ICSS as a vital and legitimate part of the national education system. 'The long-standing contributions of ICSS and their dedication to mother-tongue education should be affirmed, with appropriate policy support and official recognition granted,' it said. The association also called on the federal government to fully recognise Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), especially for admission to public universities, civil service recruitment and professional qualification registration. 'Full recognition of the UEC is important to ensure equal opportunities for all students, promote fairness and inclusion and support the nation's commitment to multiculturalism and diverse education pathways.' In another resolution, the association urged MPs to back efforts in Parliament to officially recognise the UEC through laws and policies, which they believe will help create a fair, inclusive and diverse education system. 'We support working closely with both ruling and opposition parties to explain the education goals of ICSS and the importance of the UEC. This is to gain understanding and support from all sides,' it explained. Furthermore, it urged political leaders, public figures and the media to speak responsibly and refrain from making statements that could inflame racial tensions, in line with safeguarding national unity and social harmony. Towards this end, it called upon the federal government to enforce laws and promote multicultural education to create a fair, inclusive and trusting environment for public discussion. The association also encouraged Putrajaya to take a more open and inclusive approach in recognising the important role of ICSS within the national education system, advocating for reforms that provide proper recognition and support to these schools. It proposed that the federal government adopt the Sarawak government's approach toward ICSS and actively engage in dialogue and cooperation with all political parties. 'Only through collaborative efforts across the political spectrum can key policies such as the recognition of the UEC, be advanced to promote educational equity and support diverse development, truly reflecting the vision of 'One Nation, Unity in Diversity',' it said. According to the association, ICSS is an important part of the country's educational and cultural diversity. It believed that formal recognition and support will help close policy gaps, promote unity, develop diverse talents and strengthen the nation's overall competitiveness. 'We remain committed to working together with the federal government, Sarawak government, all political parties and education partners to build a fair, inclusive,and high-quality national education system,' it said. Providing background on ICSS, the association noted that these schools have operated mainly through their own funding, having nurtured many bilingual or trilingual students who perform well academically and have strong moral values. It emphasised that these schools are an important part of the national education system. 'However, the federal government has not yet fully recognised UEC. Because of this, UEC qualifications are not accepted for entry into public universities or the civil service, limiting students' chances for higher education and jobs. 'This has led to a loss of talent and creates a major obstacle to fair education and building a diverse and inclusive talent pool in the country,' added the association.
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Health
- Borneo Post
117 top SPM, UEC students receive awards from Dr Sim
A group photo taken during the awards presentation ceremony. KUCHING (May 18): A total of 117 students who excelled in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) examinations last year received awards and certificates from Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian yesterday. Most of the recipients, who scored at least 5As, were from SMK Batu Kawa, SM Min Lit Batu Kawa, and SMK Jalan Arang, while some were from secondary schools outside the Batu Kawah constituency. Dr Sim, who is also Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister and Batu Kawah assemblyman, presented the awards during a ceremony recognising their academic achievements. In his address, Dr Sim said the awards aim to recognise and encourage students for their outstanding performance in both examinations. He noted that many students from his constituency had excelled in public examinations, reflecting the high standard of Sarawakian students. 'It is also a testament to the strong emphasis parents place on education and the dedication of our teachers,' he said. Dr Sim highlighted that Sarawak has produced many outstanding talents across various fields, such as an internationally renowned cancer researcher, demonstrating the exceptional potential of Sarawakians. 'Our Sarawak Heart Centre, developed entirely by our own efforts, has now become a prominent specialist hospital in the region. Sarawak General Hospital has also gained international recognition in several specialties, proving the capabilities of Sarawakians,' he pointed out. Dr Sim further said the Sarawak government is actively promoting educational development, not only by offering incentives and benefits but also by providing free tertiary education through its five state-owned universities to nurture more talent. He emphasised that Sarawak's rapid development requires more technical graduates to meet future human capital demands. 'Therefore, wherever they may be in the future, graduates should always remember that Sarawak is their home and should come home to give back to their community,' he added. award Dr Sim Kui Hian lead outstanding students SPM UEC
Borneo Post
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
SUPP slams DAP lawmaker's misleading statement on Sarawak's free education policy
Richard Ling MIRI (May 11): A Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) man is disappointed with Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen's action in misleading the public on the state government's free education policy. On May 9, Chong – the Stampin MP and Padungan assemblyman – reportedly criticised the Premier of Sarawak and the government for delaying the free education scheme, and also raised doubts over the government's sincerity in view of the eligibility being limited to only certain subjects. In this regard, the deputy youth chief for SUPP Pujut branch, Richard Ling, defended the Sarawak government's policy, asserting that it was being implemented in a systematic manner. 'The government's implementation would involve policy review, financial planning and the establishment of implementation mechanisms. 'This pragmatic approach is precisely to ensure the sustainability of the policy, and that it will genuinely benefit the students. 'It's not just empty promises, and neither it is a political gimmick,' said Ling in a statement today. On Chong associating the limited courses with the lack of sincerity in implementing the plan, Ling felt that such a statement carried 'ulterior motives'. 'Educational resources must always be allocated based on market demands and the nation's development goals. 'DAP should understand that it is not so much about sincerity, but the sense of responsibility of the government.' Moreover, Ling wanted to ask about the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), which the DAP had promised in its previous election campaign. 'Now that DAP is part of the federal government, why is the UEC still not recognised? 'The point is that we want to tell the people that GPs (Gabungan Parti Sarawak)-led government will continue to push forward with the free tertiary education policy and prioritise the interests of Sarawakian youths and the future of Sarawak. 'We are not here to put on a show. 'Beyond education, GPS also defends Sarawak's interests in areas such as oil and gas, and many more,' stressed Ling. Chong Chieng Jen free education policy Richard Ling
Daily Express
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sarawak's stance on Chinese schools proves its inclusivity, says SUPP Youth
Published on: Thursday, April 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Apr 24, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: SUPP Youth chairman Kevin Lau said Sarawak recognises that education is 'to empower people, not homogenise them'. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA: A Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) leader says the state government's reassurance that Chinese schools are key partners in the education system is reflective of its inclusivity. SUPP Youth chairman Kevin Lau said the Sarawak government had shown pragmatism in an era where education is increasingly entangled in political rhetoric, the Borneo Post reported. 'Its steadfast support for independent Chinese schools is a stance that reflects not only an understanding of the cultural and educational needs of its diverse population, but also a broader commitment to unity through diversity,' he was quoted as saying. Lau was referring to remarks by education, innovation and talent development minister Roland Sagah Wee Inn that independent Chinese schools in Sarawak were neither outsiders nor an afterthought. Sagah was reported to have said that while education falls under federal purview, Sarawak remains committed to inclusive policies that reflect the state's unique educational landscape. Lau also said that national policies had sometimes marginalised these schools. He said the statement by Sagah's deputy, Dr Annuar Rapaee, that no quota limitations were placed on Unified Examination Certificate holders in state universities was proof that the Sarawak government was practical. Lau said that in many parts of the world, education was used as a tool for political indoctrination or cultural assimilation, but that Sarawak 'recognises it is to empower people, not homogenise them'. 'All these clearly inclusive policies show the state government's strong commitment to uplifting our education standards and, more importantly, ensuring that all young Sarawakians are able to have education opportunities and are not left out.' * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak's stance on Chinese independent schools not political posturing, says SUPP man
Lau says in an era where education is increasingly entangled in a web of political rhetoric, the Sarawak government has emerged as a shining example of inclusivity, pragmatism and visionary leadership. SIBU (April 24): The assurance given by state Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn that Sarawak Chinese Independent Schools are not outsiders or an afterthought shows the state government's inclusivity towards education in Sarawak. Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) Central Youth chairman Kevin Lau said in an era where education is increasingly entangled in a web of political rhetoric, the Sarawak government has emerged as a shining example of inclusivity, pragmatism and visionary leadership. 'Its steadfast support for independent Chinese schools is a stance that reflects not only an understanding of the cultural and educational needs of its diverse population, but also a broader commitment to unity through diversity,' he said in a statement. He was referring to Sagah's comments during a town hall session with SM Wong Nai Siong on Tuesday, where the minister had reiterated the state government's stance on Chinese independent schools being key partners, not alternatives or exceptions, in delivering quality education. Sagah had also said while education falls under the Federal Constitution, Sarawak remains committed to inclusive policies and meaningful collaboration that reflects the state's unique educational landscape. Lau said national policies, especially during periods of intense centralisation, have sometimes marginalised these schools; treating them as outsiders to the national identity. 'In Sarawak, our leaders—while recognising Chinese independent schools as key partners in delivering quality education—have also made real effort to understand and see the benefits of different education models.' He said since the time of the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem, the Sarawak government has recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)—a recognition continued under the watch of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Lau also noted the continuous funding and support for Chinese independent schools was RM82 million as of 2024. Additionally, he said Sagah's deputy minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee's statement on no quota limitations on UEC holders enrolling into state universities showed practical outcome over political posturing, making Sarawak a fertile ground for progressive policies in education. Lau said in many parts of the world, education is used as a tool for political indoctrination or cultural assimilation, but Sarawak instead recognises it is to empower people, not homogenise them. 'All these clearly inclusive policies show the state government's strong commitment to uplifting our education standards to be relevant with the digital and green industry, and more importantly ensure all young Sarawakians are able to have education opportunities and not be left out. 'We can also see this through the formation of the Yayasan Sarawak International School. This support is rooted in a vision of educational pluralism, where diversity is seen as a strength rather than a threat.' He said that by allowing different educational streams to flourish can lead to a more robust, creative and resilient society, Sarawak is setting a powerful example for the rest of the country that supporting minority education without compromising national unity is possible. 'We hope the continuous close collaboration between the ministry and Chinese Independent Schools in Sarawak will gear our students to be better prepared, so they can grab the opportunities when free tertiary education for STEM-related courses next year is implemented.' Chinese schools education inclusive Kevin Lau lead
