MIRI: More than 100 sixth formers in Miri had the rare chance to gain first-hand inspiration from university students who have walked the path they now hope to tread.
The session, titled ‘Langkah Ke Menara Gading (Steps to Higher Learning)’, brought together 113 students from SMK Baru and SMK Lutong for a morning of motivation, guidance and peer-to-peer learning.
It was part of Kem Bakti Siswa, an outreach initiative by the Sarawak Students’ Association of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PEMASRA), held in the city over the weekend.
Hosted at SMK Baru, the programme featured motivational talks by representatives from the UKM Student Union (KMUKM), who shared their personal journeys navigating life at university and balancing academic and leadership commitments.
For many of the pre-university students, the conversations offered a glimpse of what lies ahead after the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examinations — not just the rigours of coursework but also the opportunities to grow into leaders in their own right.
Miri MP Chiew Choon Man, who facilitated the programme, said the engagement was designed to push local students to think bigger and work harder towards their aspirations.
“Sixth formers need to see and hear from people not much older than themselves who have made it into higher education,” he said.
“That kind of exposure provides the motivation and clarity they need at a critical stage of their academic journey.”
Chiew added that education is not solely about infrastructure or facilities but also about mentorship, encouragement and sharing experiences that can shape character and ambition.
The programme formed part of a wider effort to nurture young leaders in Sarawak, reminding students that their potential extends beyond the classroom into fields such as public service, technology, business and the creative industries.
For the UKM undergraduates who travelled to Miri, the initiative was also about giving back to the community and demonstrating that the spirit of volunteerism goes hand-in-hand with academic achievement.
“This exchange benefits both sides,” said one facilitator.
“We get to revisit our own journeys while showing these students that university is not a distant dream but something within reach if they work with discipline and determination.”
The event ended with a call for Miri’s youth to take charge of their future through focus, resilience and courage to dream beyond limits.
