Tiny gowns, shy smiles and proud applause marked the celebration as 50 children graduated at Tadika Zasa’s 40th Convocation. Four decades of nurturing young minds were honoured through certificates, awards and joyful performances.
Tadika Zasa celebrates 40 years of early learning
It was an afternoon of bright colours, gentle nerves and joyful applause as 50 children aged four to six stepped onto the stage for Tadika Zasa’s 40th Convocation and Prize-Giving Ceremony at the Waterfront Hotel here recently.
Dressed in their miniature graduation gowns, the children made their way across the stage with a mix of excitement and shyness, their smiles widening as they spotted familiar faces in the audience.
For many parents, it was a moment filled with pride and emotion — watching their children reach a milestone that marked the end of their preschool journey and the beginning of a new chapter.
Cheers from proud parents, bursts of laughter and a hall filled with colour turned the ceremony into more than just a presentation of certificates.
It became a heartfelt celebration of courage, effort and the small dreams of young graduates preparing to take their next step into formal schooling.
Each name called to the stage was met with warm applause, affirming not only academic progress but personal growth gained over the past year.
The event was further enlivened by stage performances from the children, including solo acts, choir presentations and a lively closing performance that delighted the audience.
Some children sang with confidence, others danced with carefree joy, while a few shy performers earned extra applause simply for their bravery.
Their confidence, spontaneity and infectious enthusiasm were among the most memorable moments of the day, reflecting the nurturing environment in which they had learned and grown.
In addition to receiving their 2025 certificates, the children were recognised with academic awards, achievement prizes and special accolades across different age groups.
These included the Special Iqra’ and Fardhu Ain Awards, Best Dressed Award, ‘Sporting Family’ Award, Tadika Zasa Outstanding Student Award, as well as a lucky draw that added an extra layer of excitement to the celebration.
Celebrating four decades of dedication
Amid the cheerful celebrations, the occasion also marked a significant milestone as Tadika Zasa celebrated its 40th anniversary — a testament to four decades of continuous commitment to holistic early childhood education grounded in strong moral values.
What began as a small educational initiative has grown into a trusted institution that has shaped the early learning journeys of thousands of children over the years.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sarawak Social Welfare Department deputy director (Federal) Mohd Ali Taib, said the convocation was not only a celebration of the children’s achievements but also a reflection of the vital role early childhood education plays in shaping character and lifelong learning.
He noted that over its 40-year journey, Tadika Zasa has consistently demonstrated that quality early education begins with an approach that truly understands a child’s world — one that balances learning with play, structure with creativity, and discipline with compassion.
“Children do not learn solely from books, but through experiences, play and daily interaction. When they are guided in a safe and nurturing environment, they grow with confidence and strong values,” he said.
In line with the aspirations of the National Preschool Standard Curriculum (KSPK), he explained that the kindergarten places emphasis on the holistic development of children, encompassing cognitive, social, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects.
“The play-based learning approach, combined with the introduction of essential 21st-century skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity, ensures that every child gains a strong foundation before entering Year One,” he added.
Mohd Ali also expressed his appreciation to parents and guardians for their continuous support, describing them as key partners in early childhood education.
“A strong partnership between home and school is the cornerstone of success in early childhood education. The commitment of parents in supporting learning at home, ensuring consistent attendance and encouraging positive behaviour complements the efforts of teachers in ensuring balanced and meaningful development for every child,” he said.
He expressed hope that Tadika Zasa would continue to grow as a high-quality preschool institution, in line with national aspirations and the Sarawak government’s commitment to expanding access to quality early education and nurturing future generations who are knowledgeable, disciplined and of strong moral character.
Guiding lights: Teachers and families
Tadika Zasa manager Amalina Sideni, described the kindergarten’s four-decade journey as one filled with challenges, sacrifices and countless blessings, made possible through the collective efforts of many dedicated individuals over the years.
“Forty years is a long and meaningful journey. Tadika Zasa was not built overnight — it was founded through the dedication and sacrifice of my late father, Sideni Adam, who laid its foundations with perseverance, resilience and love,” she said, paying tribute to the founder whose vision continues to guide the institution today.
She added that Tadika Zasa has grown into more than just a place of learning, becoming a second home to thousands of children.
“This is where they learned their first letters, recited their first prayers, made their first friends and began to dream their first dreams. These early moments may seem small, but they shape who our children become,” she said.
Amalina also took the opportunity to express her heartfelt appreciation to the educators who have been the backbone of the kindergarten since its establishment.
“All of this is made possible by the remarkable individuals behind the scenes. I extend my deepest appreciation to all teachers — not only those currently serving, but also former educators — whose contributions continue to live on in every child who has passed through Tadika Zasa.
“You are the guiding light in their earliest educational journey,” she said.
She further acknowledged the support of colleagues, friends, long-time partners and alumni who have continued to contribute ideas, energy and encouragement to ensure the kindergarten’s sustainability and growth.
Amalina also thanked parents for entrusting Tadika Zasa with the responsibility of nurturing their children during their formative years.
“Your trust is a great responsibility that we hold dearly. We will continue to honour that trust by providing education that comes from the heart, in line with our belief that nurturing young minds requires patience, compassion and sincerity,” she said.
As the ceremony drew to a close, the children gathered for photographs, clutching certificates almost as big as their smiles. For them, it marked the end of one small chapter — and the beginning of a much bigger adventure ahead.
The celebration stood as a sweet closing chapter to one early phase of their lives, before they step forward with fond memories, growing confidence and dreams that have only just begun.
