SERIAN: Students in Sarawak should cultivate ambition and set future goals during their school years, says Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He said developing ambition early is important as it provides direction, drive and purpose for students’ learning and growth.
Sagah noted with concern that many Form Six students he had met still did not know their aspirations.
“Students should know their ambition by the time they reach upper secondary school. I think having ambition only in Form Six is already late. You should have it before sitting for your Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).
“By then, you should know what you want to be – a doctor, an engineer, an architect, a psychiatrist, a lawyer, whatever it may be. In all these, you must be ready to face the challenges.
“Having ambition will help you establish clear objectives, determine what subjects to take, and remain focused on your academic performance for a successful future,” he said at the state-level ceremony for the Ministry of Education’s Early Schooling Aid (BAP) distribution to Lower Six students at SMK Tun Abdul Razak here today.
He expressed hope that all Sarawak students, especially those in Form Six, start thinking seriously about their ambitions now.
He said students currently have greater opportunities to pursue tertiary education without being burdened by high course fees, thanks to the state government’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will be implemented next year.
“This means that after completing Form Six with good results, you can pursue degrees in a variety of fields at state-owned universities for free.
“This is the chance for all Sarawak students. In the past, many did not have enough opportunities for tertiary education,” he added.
“Some were forced into courses they did not choose, sometimes in areas that were not worthwhile. Students must pursue courses that have the potential to bring them further in life.”
Sagah added that Sarawak students no longer need to worry if they cannot secure places in public universities, as they can study in local universities.
“The universities in Sarawak are as good as any in the world. After your first degree, you can go to Harvard, Oxford, or Cambridge to continue your studies, especially in the sciences,” he stressed.
“Try to excel in sciences as they are crucial to Sarawak’s changing economy. As we move towards renewable energy, green energy, and sustainable development, we must ensure employment opportunities in these new industries.
“You cannot escape this because foreign investment has already come to Sarawak, especially in Bintulu, which we want to be the state’s future industrial hub.”
Sagah said that Sarawak aims to lead globally in green energy and environmental efforts.
“We do not want to be jaguh kampung (village champions) only, but to compete on the world stage. Whether we achieve this remains to be seen but you must be ambitious.
“Our Premier is leading the way, which is why he engages internationally, in Japan, China, and Europe, including Germany,” he added.
“In the past, nobody looked at us. Now, because we are changing our outlook, we are receiving recognition. We already have the people with ideas and knowledge – our own Sarawakians.
“Perhaps some of you, your relatives, or your children will contribute to these efforts.”
Also present at the ceremony were Sarawak Education Department Deputy Director (school management sector) Dr Les Met, Serian District Education Officer Bunsie Tunton, Ministry of Education School Management Division Assistant Director Azleani Mohd Azley, and SMK Tun Abdul Razak’s Principal Eng Bung Chai.
