KUCHING: The Sarawak government continues to extend financial support to Chinese private schools through its annual allocation initiative.

Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board president Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming said the 2025 grant remains at RM10 million.
He said the funding benefits all 14 Chinese independent secondary schools (ICSS) in Sarawak and helps ease operational costs.
“This allocation began in 2014 under the late Tan Sri Adenan Satem with RM3 million, gradually increasing to RM10 million.
“ICSS are not under the Ministry of Education and rely heavily on public donations.
“For the past five years, we have received RM10 million annually. We thank the Premier for his continued support,” he told reporters after the 2025 Funding Allocation Ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today (June 20).
Lau added the Sarawak government also recognises the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), allowing holders to enter public service and state institutions.
“With free education starting in 2026, UEC holders will also qualify, showing the Premier’s inclusive policy,” he said.
Earlier, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the 2025 grant to both secondary and primary Chinese school associations, including the Sarawak United Association of Chinese Primary School Management Boards.

Its president Datuk Jonathan Chai said RM7 million was disbursed to Chinese independent primary schools across Sarawak.
He said allocations have steadily increased from RM8 million in 2020 to RM12 million from 2022 onwards.
“This is part of the RM12 million pledged to support upgrades and building extension works,” he said.
Chai added some schools received up to RM2 million, including SJK Chung Hua Stampin in Kuching, while another RM100,000 has been set aside to fund student participation in local and national competitions.
He said the remaining RM5 million will be used to equip selected schools with smart classrooms.
“We hope to complete installations this year so all SJK Chung Hua schools can benefit,” he said.
He also noted land assistance through state land alienation and private land acquisition via the Sarawak Land Court.
Chai lauded Sarawak as the only state acquiring private land for school expansion, citing SJK Chung Hua Tongdong and Stampin as examples.
“Other cases include SJK Chung Hua Batu 35, Batu 4 1/2, No. 6 Kuching, and Chung Hua Miri,” he added.
Chai thanked the Premier and the Chinese Schools Special Unit under Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian for their continued support.