SIBU: Mastery of the English language is an important key to opening access to wider knowledge, thus strengthening students’ self-confidence to compete at the national and international levels.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Central Youth Chief, Councillor Kevin Lau Kor Jie, said that English as a global language is not only a bridge to educational and career opportunities, but also an important foundation in shaping a more competitive young generation.
“This global language is the key to gaining access to a wider range of knowledge.
“When you master English well, you can stand on par with them at the national and international levels,” he said at the SMK Bawang Assan’s Outstanding Students’ Appreciation Ceremony held at the school’s multi-purpose hall on Friday.
Lau, who is also SUPP Bawang Assan Branch Chairman, also stressed that effective communication skills and the courage to make decisions are among the elements that help shape students as future leaders.
At the same time, he expressed his congratulations and well wishes to all the students who received awards for their hard work throughout the year.
“You have overcome various challenges to achieve this success. Today’s happiness is the result of your own hard work,” he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to the parents whom he described as the backbone behind the children’s success.
Apart from academic achievements, Lau did not forget the students who were active in co-curricular activities.
He said that participation in associations and sports was important because it formed a team spirit and practiced discipline which was the basis for future success.
In the meantime, he called on the students to take the opportunity to appreciate the services of the teachers who always guided and inspired them.
“Teachers have a dream to see you continue to practice the noble values that were instilled. Their dedication should continue to be appreciated,” he added.
He also expressed his hope that SMK Bawang Assan would continue to go further in its efforts to strengthen educational excellence.
“Education and society cannot be separated. With good education, we can create a generation that contributes to the development of Sarawak and fosters unity and harmony in society,” Lau, who is also Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Standing Committee of the Environment and Public Health Chairman, added.
Earlier on, SMK Bawang Assan Principal, Kong Chiong Hui, in his speech stated that the school has a proud achievement when it received the Certificate of Improvement of School Average Grade (GPS) of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) from the State Education Department for the years 2023 and 2024.
He stressed that the award proved that rural schools are also able to compete with major schools in urban areas.
“This achievement clearly shows that SMK Bawang Assan is a rural school with potential and is capable of achieving high levels of excellence,” he said.
Therefore, Kong also expressed his highest appreciation to the teachers and school staff whom he described as the backbone of the school’s success, in addition to recognising the support of parents who always trust the school in educating the young generation.
In addition to academic excellence, SMK Bawang Assan students have also shown excellent performance in sports and co-curricular activities up to the national level.
“Our school has received the 2024 Saujana SPM Leap Award in conjunction with the Academic Excellence Ceremony of the Sibu District Education Office (PPD) last October, thus strengthening our position as one of the rural schools that has recorded significant improvement,” he said.
He also reminded students to continue to be disciplined, tenacious and use today’s success as an encouragement for the future.
“I would also like to remind the students to take advantage of the end-of-year holidays with healthy activities and to stay away from immoral symptoms.
“During this holiday, parents also need to monitor their children for their safety and positive development,” Kong added.
