KOTA SAMARAHAN: A total of 516 children from KEMAS kindergartens and nurseries in the Kota Samarahan parliamentary constituency were honoured during two sessions of the KEMAS Kindergarten and Nursery Appreciation Day yesterday (Dec 13).
The morning session saw 36 children from KEMAS nurseries in Samarahan and 200 children from KEMAS kindergartens in the Muara Tuang state constituency (DUN) being recognised, while the afternoon session celebrated 63 children from KEMAS kindergartens in Asajaya and 217 from Stakan.
Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan Member of Parliament Datuk Rubiah Wang said that the event was held to recognise children who had successfully completed their early childhood education at the nursery and kindergarten levels.
“What is important is that programmes like this help build confidence among children at the early stages of schooling and encourage them to move forward,” she said at a press conference after officiating the first session at the Kota Samarahan Civic Centre.
She also congratulated KEMAS, parents and the children for their cooperation in making the programme a success.
Earlier in her speech, Rubiah stressed that early childhood education plays a crucial role in shaping children’s interests and inclinations, forming the foundation for their future development.
She added that choosing the right early education institution was essential to ensure optimal cognitive and personal growth.
Rubiah noted that KEMAS is recognised as one of Malaysia’s leading early childhood education providers, in line with its commitment to offering a strong educational foundation for young learners.
“This recognition is reflected in KEMAS receiving the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brand Gold Award for the Consumer-Preferred Preschool Learning Centre category six times — in 2017, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025,” she said.
She explained that the award is assessed based on several criteria, including quality, innovation, service standards, social responsibility and KEMAS’ ability to understand the real needs of parents and children.
“This clearly demonstrates KEMAS’ significant role in driving early childhood education, supported by strong parental confidence,” she said, adding that KEMAS continues to enhance its learning modules to meet current educational needs.
Rubiah also said KEMAS has undergone various improvements in its functions, particularly in community development, in line with its role as an agent of social change under the Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW).
She explained that several programmes have been reviewed and strengthened, including the KEMAS Desa Outreach Programme introduced last year, which focuses on community cohesion, skills training and socio-economic development through the active participation of women and youth.
“In Sarawak alone, we managed to implement 18 programmes this year, the highest number so far,” she said, adding that 31 more programmes are planned next year to support rural communities through initiatives involving technology, entrepreneurship, skills training and other areas.
