KICHING: The Sarawak Initiatives (TSI) and Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Petra Jaya hosted the Unity in Diversity Programme, empowering 350 students through creativity, identity exploration and cultural appreciation.
Helmed by filmmaker and TSI Aspiring Leader, Sarah Lois Dorai, the programme featured hands-on workshops in writing, painting, poetry and video-making designed to deepen cultural understanding and celebrate Sarawak’s multicultural legacy.
The event was officiated by TSI Chairman, Datuk John Tenewi Nuek, with an opening address by Datuk Amar Michael Manyin Jawong highlighting unity, adaptability, mutual respect and understanding among Sarawak’s many ethnic communities.
“When we learn about one another with tolerance and respect, our diversity becomes our strength. My hope is that someday we introduce ourselves not by race but simply as Malaysians,” said Manyin in his address.
He reminded students that Sarawak’s diversity is a powerful foundation for harmony, stressing that young people must continue nurturing curiosity, empathy and resilience as tools for building a united future.
Tenewi later launched the TSI ‘My Future Is In My Hands’ pencil, symbolising education, discipline and creativity as essential elements shaping Sarawak’s next generation of thinkers and leaders.
He encouraged students to believe in their ability to define their own purpose, emphasising that dreams grow through courage, determination and continuous personal effort.
He urged students to embrace freedom of thought, question assumptions and pursue learning fearlessly, describing diversity as an opportunity for growth, wisdom and strengthened community connections across Sarawak.
“The programme highlighted that challenges are stepping stones toward achievement, with success built upon persistence, confidence and willingness to rise after setbacks along one’s personal journey,” he added.
TSI also expressed gratitude to teachers and school leaders, and honoured Sarawak’s visionary leadership whose bold educational initiatives continue shaping a progressive, competitive and future-ready generation statewide.
