SIBU: A total of 68 outstanding students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sacred Heart here today received cash incentives amounting to RM23,500 in recognition of their excellent achievements in the 2024 Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) examination.
The incentives were presented by Bukit Assek Assemblyman, Joseph Chieng Jin Ek, during a ceremony held at the school hall.
According to Chieng, the initiative has entered its fourth year and aims to recognise the efforts and dedication of students who have achieved a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.00 and above.
“Every year, witnessing your hard work and dedication is very inspiring,” he said.
He also shared that the incentive system had been improved following discussions with teachers from the participating schools, with rewards now structured according to CGPA achievement.
Under the revised system, students with a CGPA of 3.00 to 3.32 will receive RM200; a CGPA of 3.33 to 3.66 (RM300); a CGPA of 3.67 to 3.99 (RM400); and a full CGPA of 4.00 (RM500).
“This adjustment reflects our commitment to encouraging more students to go beyond the norm and to reward them fairly,” he added.
This year, a total of 95 students from two schools in the Bukit Assek constituency are eligible to receive incentives amounting to RM32,700.
Chieng also expressed his appreciation to teachers and parents for their important role in helping students succeed, describing the students’ achievements as the result of perseverance and discipline.
Meanwhile, he said that the Sarawak Government remains committed to strengthening the education sector through various initiatives, including the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), scheduled to be implemented in 2026.
The scheme will fully cover tuition fees for Sarawakian students pursuing degree programmes at state-owned institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and i-CATS University College.
In addition, students from families with a per capita income of RM1,500 or less will also receive an annual living allowance of RM15,000 to help ease financial burdens and support their higher education journey.
“This initiative aims to ensure that no Sarawakian is left behind, regardless of family background,” said Chieng.
He also encouraged students to continue striving for success and to one day return to contribute to society and the state.
Also present was SMK Sacred Heart’s Principal, David Teo Wu.
