KUCHING: The Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, has urged the people to become catalysts for community development by raising and spreading awareness of the importance of education in their communities and villages.
He expressed his hope that this objective could be achieved as people return to their respective villages.
“By recognizing the significance of education, our community will not be left behind in the journey of progress,” he stated.
“Let us disseminate information about the various educational initiatives planned by the Sarawak government, under the leadership of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, to transform Sarawak into an advanced region by 2030,” he added in his Gawai message.
Wan Junaidi further emphasized the establishment of five higher learning institutions owned by the Sarawak government, namely i-Cats University College, Sarawak Skills, the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak (Centexs), Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), and Kolej Taib College, along with the establishment of five international schools, namely Yayasan Sarawak International School in Petra Jaya, Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, and Miri. He believed these institutions would significantly contribute to the progress of the community.
“By acquiring knowledge, we can master various technologies, including green technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and other fields outlined in the Sarawak Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030,” he stated.
“With an ample number of skilled local human resources, we will not have to rely on foreign experts within Sarawak’s development framework. Instead, we will leverage local expertise to elevate Sarawak to a developed state by 2030. This is a shared dream that we must actualize with a sense of unity in diversity, professionalism, and dignity,” he affirmed.
He also emphasized that poverty should not be used as an excuse to deny children an education.
“Let us view poverty as a challenge rather than an obstacle, and refrain from blaming circumstances. We now witness various aids and facilities provided by the government to ensure that every citizen in this country has the opportunity to pursue knowledge up to the university level,” he highlighted.
Wan Junaidi further stressed the importance of nurturing and guiding Sarawakian children at the primary and secondary school levels before they can pursue higher education.
“The government and responsible parties cannot solely monitor teaching and learning activities in schools. Teachers and school administrators must also play a role in ensuring that our children become educated, open-minded, and motivated individuals,” he asserted.
“Therefore, it now falls upon all of us to seize the opportunities provided by the government. However, each of us must cultivate a positive attitude and approach. Those who aspire to achieve something must be willing to try and not give up without attempting,” he encouraged while underscoring the significance of maintaining unity.
Wan Junaidi emphasized that Sarawakians must demonstrate their ability to acquire knowledge and possess high expertise to advance their families, communities, and country.
“In the words of the famous quote by Panglima Rentap, ‘agi idup agi ngelaban’ (as long as we live, we fight), we reflect our indomitable spirit and determination to uphold the unity of our community and guide them towards success to achieve the vision of Sarawak’s progress by 2030,” concluded Wan Junaidi.
