By DayakDaily Team
BALAI RINGIN, Dec 20: The library of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balai Ringin was given a new lease of life with a donation of 2,000 books by Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) and the organising committee of the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration.
According to a press release, an explosion destroyed the school’s library two years ago, leaving students without access to essential learning resources.
While efforts to rebuild and refurbish have been ongoing, the library’s collection remains inadequate for its large student population.
Today’s donation changes that—providing 1,512 students with increased access to novels, educational books, and activity guides set to support their academic and personal growth.
The book donation was part of the Books Build Legacy programme, an initiative by BESarawak. Celebration co-organisers, the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) adopted Books Build Legacy to amplify the event’s impact.
Sarawak’s Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts and Balai Ringin assemblyman Datuk Snowdan Lawan highlighted that even in the digital age, books are essential for helping young people succeed in school and beyond.
“The Balai Ringin community is extremely grateful for the generosity and kindness of DCCI, KCCI, BESarawak, and those who participated in this effort. Thank you for coming together for this community,” he said.
Meanwhile, DCCI president Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai stated that the initial goal was 1,000 books, but in just two days, they achieved double that, reaching 2,000 books.
“The overwhelming response from the local community and event participants shows how united we are when we share a common purpose. DCCI will continue championing socio-economic progress for the Dayak communities through business events and other available opportunities,” he voiced out.
On the other hand, BESarawak chief executive officer Amelia Roziman said the impact of business events goes beyond the events themselves; it lies in the relationships the partners build.
“The success of Books Build Legacy at the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration demonstrates the strength of those relationships when we leverage them for a good cause, showing how powerful and meaningful our collective efforts can be,” she mentioned.
The 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan Celebration not only served as a platform for cultural unity between Sarawak and Sabah but also demonstrated the organisers’ passion for uplifting indigenous communities. — DayakDaily
