KUCHING: Yayasan Sarawak held a special engagement session on Monday to foster stronger collaboration with independent Chinese schools across Sarawak.
Its director, Mersal Abang Rosli, said this special engagement aims to enhance public understanding of Yayasan Sarawak’s role in providing financial aid to Sarawakian students.
“We believe that sharing accurate knowledge and information is the key part of education,” he said in his speech, read by his deputy, Watson Chunggat Leonard, at Wisma Adenan Yayasan Sarawak Auditorium here.
He said Yayasan Sarawak aims to empower teachers, students, and parents with the knowledge to make informed decisions about its assistance programmes, emphasising direct stakeholder engagement through the session.
“Information is often disseminated in the hope that teachers, students, and parents will improve their knowledge and subsequently make better decisions in future situations, especially when you want assistance and help from Yayasan Sarawak.
“And one of the most effective ways is by engaging directly with our stakeholders,” he said.
Meanwhile, Board of Trustee member Datuk Richard Wee said the Premier of Sarawak has stressed that the financial aid, scholarships, and student loans offered by Yayasan Sarawak are for all Sarawakians regardless of background and based on merit.
“He (Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg) has also repeatedly emphasised to all our board members that we must ensure all schools, parents, and Sarawakians understand that Yayasan Sarawak’s financial assistance, scholarships, and student loans are not exclusively for bumiputeras.
“They are for all Sarawakians, regardless of background, and I would further emphasise that scholarships and student loans are primarily based on the academic standards you achieve.
“Regardless of your background, what matters most is your academic performance.
“While there are specific programmes tailored for the B40 group and similar categories, the scholarships and student loans generally are for those who meet the required academic standards.
“This is an important message we want to communicate to all students and parents that these opportunities are open to all Sarawakians who strive to achieve strong academic results,” he said.
