KUCHING: The Appreciation Night 2025 organised by the Visitors’ Board of Sekolah Tunas Bakti (STB) Kuching and the Asrama Akhlak Lelaki Kuching marked the conclusion of the board’s calendar of activities for the year.
The celebratory event, held at a leading hotel, was officiated by the director of the Sarawak Department of Social Welfare, Semawi Mohamad.
The event was held to mark the transfer of several departmental and school staff members effective January 2026, as well as to recognise the progress and outstanding achievements of the institution’s residents, the commitment and dedication of the STB workforce, and the continuous contributions of members of the STB Visitors’ Board.
Semawi stressed that the appreciation event should be seen as a manifestation of commitment and teamwork among STB staff, members of the Visitors’ Board and the institution’s residents.
He noted that such close cooperation was crucial to ensuring that the STB environment remained conducive to helping residents rehabilitate themselves and build a brighter future after leaving the institution.
He also praised the resilience of the STB staff and the strong commitment of the Visitors’ Board in sourcing various forms of support to help residents acquire skills and life values that could have a significant impact on their future.
He said these ongoing efforts created space and opportunities for residents to experience meaningful personal development, nurtured by caregivers who were firm, friendly and caring.
Earlier, in his welcoming speech, the chairman of the STB Visitors’ Board, Zasran Abdullah, expressed his highest appreciation to the director of the Sarawak Department of Social Welfare for the concern and strong support extended to the efforts undertaken by the Visitors’ Board in assisting Sekolah Tunas Bakti in various aspects, in accordance with the capabilities and commitment of its members, who were also heavily engaged in their substantive careers.
He said that among the most encouraging achievements this year was the concern shown by Cahya Mata Sarawak (CMS), a corporate company that stepped forward to extend a compassionate contribution of RM50,000 to the STB Visitors’ Board.
The contribution was presented by the CMS Corporate Social Responsibility manager, Irwan Mohd Shariff, to Zasran.
Commenting on the contribution, Zasran expressed his heartfelt gratitude to CMS and hoped that such acts of concern would be emulated by more corporate companies.
He believed the contribution would be fondly remembered and remain close to the hearts of the residents who benefitted from the facilities made possible through the donation, particularly the youth undergoing rehabilitation at the institution.
The Appreciation Night 2025 was further enlivened by the presentation of various awards by the school administration to residents who demonstrated outstanding progress and achievements in academics, sports, handicrafts and other categories.
The awards comprised cash prizes, certificates of appreciation and accompanying gifts.
In addition, guests were entertained by various singing, dance and creative performances by the residents, institutional staff and members of the Visitors’ Board, making the event more meaningful and leaving sweet memories for all in attendance.
Also present were Boniface Julai, principal of Sekolah Tunas Bakti; Suliana Jeryin, principal of the Asrama Akhlak Lelaki Kuching; and Saravina Faizal, treasurer of the Visitors’ Board.
