KUCHING: Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (DBKU) was abuzz with energy and inspiration during Motivasi Khas Edisi Sarawak, headlined by none other than Malaysia’s first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, accompanied by his daughter, Sophea Natasha, yesterday.
Their presence was more than ceremonial. It was personal and profoundly motivational.
“I feel honoured to be here today with the bright students of Sarawak,” said Dr Sheikh Muszaphar, speaking with heartfelt admiration.
“They’re bright, creative and excellent communicators. I’ve always believed in their potential.”
The father-daughter duo had travelled to Sarawak as part of Fly High Education Centre’s inaugural Jelajah Sarawak, a community-focused initiative aimed at connecting with students across the state, particularly those from asnaf and B40 families.
Far from just a motivational appearance, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar was there as a parent and advocate for accessible, high-quality education.
“During the pandemic, I was really concerned about how my children would continue learning. That’s when I discovered Fly High,” he said.
“What drew me in was how engaging and creative their teaching approach was. Online learning can be dull, but this wasn’t the case.
“Even my daughter, Bella, showed significant academic improvement, and that was proof enough for me,” he said.
Sophea, who joined her father on stage and charmed the audience with her cheerful presence, had her own views to share.
“I think the best part is how everyone works together. We discuss answers and help each other. It’s really good,” she said, her voice reflecting genuine enthusiasm.
“The teachers are the best in Malaysia, I believe. They really help you reach your goals.”
Fly High, though based in Shah Alam, is committed to breaking educational barriers through its online platform.
According to mathematics instructor, Shahril Osman, who is also one of the speakers for the day, the team is working hand-in-hand with the Sarawak Education Department to identify and support high-potential students.
“Despite the distance, we can provide the same level of support, thanks to our online system. Geography is no longer an obstacle,” he remarked.
Echoing this, Fly High Education Centre revealed that 2,000 students from underserved communities in Sarawak will soon be selected to receive free academic support through Fly High, guided by some of the country’s most outstanding educators.
“We’re bringing excellence straight to them,” Shahril said.
Fly High’s educational strategy is not only results-driven but practical.
“We train students to master factual essays, especially those evaluated in critical entry tests like PKSK,” said Anwar, or Cikgu Bob as he’s known to his students, another speaker from Fly HIgh Education Centre.
“It’s focused, effective and often overlooked in traditional classrooms. However, awareness remains a challenge.
“Many parents don’t realise the importance of these tests,” said Cikgu Bob.
Also present was Faizal, or more known as Cikgu Emmet, a familiar name to many thanks to his heartfelt stories and reflections on life as a teacher, often shared through his Facebook posts.
He emphasised the importance of raising parental awareness about Fly High’s mission, particularly its aim to help more students gain entry into boarding schools, where they can fully dedicate themselves to academic excellence.
“That’s precisely why this tour is so important,” he stressed.
“We’re here to educate, to guide, and to open doors for families who may not yet realise the opportunities available to their children,” he added.
Bringing the morning to a meaningful close, Dr Sheikh Muszaphar left the audience with a message that extended well beyond academics.
“Success isn’t just about intelligence, it’s about discipline, focus and the will to aim high, always higher than yesterday,” he concluded.
