BINTULU: Students should view their academic success as the beginning of a more challenging journey ahead, said Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He urged students to broaden their understanding of success beyond academic achievement, emphasising the importance of mastering 21st-century skills — including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) — to stay relevant in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR4.0).
“Equip yourselves with knowledge and relevant skills. Don’t be afraid to dream big because success doesn’t come easily; it requires hard work, determination and resilience,” he said.
Tiong conveyed this message through his Special Duties Officer, Steven Kong Kai Seng, during the SMK Bintulu 2025 Academic Excellence Awards ceremony held on Thursday.
He also expressed appreciation to the school community, particularly the teachers, for their dedication and commitment in nurturing students to achieve outstanding results.
“Student success is the result of teachers’ continuous efforts, supported by strong cooperation between parents and the school.
“A solid educational ecosystem can only be built through the synergy of all parties,” he said.
Tiong further reminded students to uphold good moral values, remain disciplined and cultivate strong character while staying critical, aware and responsive to the needs of society and the nation.
At the same event, the Bintulu MP highlighted the Sarawak government’s initiative to offer free tertiary education at state-owned institutions starting in 2026.
He said the move reflected the state government’s commitment to ensuring that every Sarawakian had the opportunity to pursue higher education without being burdened by financial constraints.
“This is a golden opportunity that students must take full advantage of to build a brighter and more competitive future,” he added.
