KUCHING: Batu Kawa Min Lit Secondary School opened its 2026 academic year with an orientation and first weekly assembly on Tuesday, welcoming 56 new Junior Middle One students, bringing its total enrolment to 300.
The school said the student body includes 13 non-Chinese students, reflecting growing community confidence in the role of Chinese independent education in Sarawak’s multicultural setting.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak and Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, who officiated the event, said the word “schoolmates” carries the spirit of learning together and growing together.
“Batu Kawa Min Lit Secondary School is a nurturing environment where students from different backgrounds and ethnicities learn, grow and inspire one another.
“And daily interaction helps students appreciate each other’s cultures and strengths, strengthening harmony through education,” he said.
Sim also highlighted the school’s progress over the past decade, noting improvements in teaching quality, academic competitions, co-curricular activities, facilities and student performance, which he described as “well-rounded development” that benefits the wider community.
He stressed that secondary school is a critical stage in shaping young people, urging schools, families, and society to work together to guide students in building strong values and a sense of responsibility.
“Learning well leads to success, while learning poorly may lead one astray,” he said.
Sim said education is not merely a personal pursuit but a foundation for nation-building, and called on students to excel both in behaviour and academic performance to earn respect and embody the true meaning of education.
He also acknowledged fundraising challenges faced by independent Chinese schools and urged continued community support for the school’s mission.
He commended teachers, the Board of Directors and school leadership for their dedication to nurturing students beyond academics.
“Students who are given opportunities can become future leaders, and I hope that Min Lit will continue producing talents for Sarawak and the nation,” he said.
Meanwhile, school principal, Lai Soh Ching, described the school as “small yet excellent”.
“At our school, we have affordable fees, a disciplined school culture, low student-teacher ratios, strong teaching support and structured scholarship schemes.
“We also have graduates gaining admission to institutions including Tsinghua University, National Taiwan Normal University and local branch campuses of Australian and British universities.
“Our Form Five students may also sit for SPM, enabling graduates to hold both UEC and SPM qualifications,” she said.
The event also featured the 2025 UEC Examination Award Presentation, where students who achieved Grade A received RM50 for each A grade.
