SIBU: A school should evolve to cater to the needs of the students in this new era, stated Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee.
Thus, he pointed out that there is a greater need to invest more on children’s education and the infrastructure that supports it.
“Sarawak government has always recognised this, because we know that that education will play a key role in securing Sarawak’s future as the state heads towards a new economy.
“That’s why, one of the initiatives of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 focuses on human resources development, aiming at creating a knowledge-based society.
“We are living in a fast-changing world. The world around us has become both complicated and convenient, hence presenting unique challenges and opportunities,” he said when speaking at the Tiong Hin Schools’ fundraising jogathon event organised by the Tiong Hin Schools Alumni Association (THSAA) at Joseph Chong Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, SMK Tiong Hin here today.
Tiang was represented by Penghulu Stephen Yong who read out his text of speech at the event.
The Pelawan assemblyman said it was, without a doubt, that creating a more knowledgeable society was not solely on the effort of the government but needed effort from everyone.
He said Tiong Hin school could continue to be strong, because of the support from the community and especially the alumni who had the commitment to give back to the school.
Their contributions, he said, would go a long way in the effort to create a conducive learning environment, equipped with the latest technologies and resources, empowering the students, to thrive in the ever-changing world.
“Let’s face it, all of us have to embrace technology whether we like it or not. A school is not just an institution that teaches students about basic knowledge or prepare them for exam and university; no, a school must be a place where talents are discovered, and skills are developed.
“Thus, I believe, every school must always be up to date with the current world. That is why the contribution from the community is important. By joining forces together, we can create an inspiring atmosphere that promotes academic, excellence and character building,” he stated.
Tiang said Tiong Hin school has played an important role in the community here, providing education to all the children staying nearby, especially at the Sungai Merah area all these years.
However, he said it was not just the contribution of the school to the community that enables the school to stand strong until today.
The contribution of the members of the public, the parents, former students could not be overstated, in ensuring the development of the school, which then contributed to the development of the society, he said.
“Each contribution no matter how big or small, plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our school. Congratulation to THSAA, I was told they have collected the targeted amount in the event,” Tiang added.
Also present were Sibu Member of Parliament Oscar Ling Chai Yew; chairman of the SMK Tiong Hin’s Board of Management Philip Lau King Kah; SMK Tiong Hin’s principal Ooi Leong Hoon; SJK Tiong Hin Board of Management chairman Lu Muong Huat; SJK Tiong Hin’s headmaster Hii Chin Ung; THSAA chairman Frankie Nee and organising chairman of the jogathon for fund raising event Samuel Goh Kee Seng.
