By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 11: The Sarawak Unity Education Fund (SUEF) today contributed RM100,000 to the Sarawak Association for the Welfare of Intellectually Disabled Children (PERKATA) to further empower special needs education in the State.
According to Information Department Sarawak, the private sector-driven initiative was led by its chairman, Datuk Richard Lee Say Tshin, as part of ongoing efforts to support the local community and those in need.
The mock cheque was presented during a courtesy call on the Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the Satria Pertiwi Complex this morning.
“Today’s contribution reflects our strong support for PERKATA, which has dedicated 54 years to nurturing and educating children with disabilities towards greater independence, despite facing financial constraints,” he said when met by reporters.
He explained that beyond welfare assistance, SUEF’s core mandate is to provide educational scholarships to eligible Sarawakian students from B40 (low-income) families pursuing studies at local universities.
“Since our official launch in 2024, we have sponsored 31 students, with a total financial commitment of RM1.4 million. We will continue this effort for as long as funds permit, in line with our commitment to strengthening Sarawak’s human capital development,” he added.
In a statement, Lee also called on more corporate entities and individuals to step forward in fulfilling their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to help sustain welfare institutions such as PERKATA.
“Although PERKATA receives government grants, its high operating costs require stronger participation from the business community to bridge funding gaps and ensure the continued care and education of these special children,” he stressed.
Abang Johari has served as Patron of SUEF since 2023, underscoring the State leadership’s firm support for this private sector initiative.
To date, SUEF has channelled a cumulative RM150,000 to PERKATA as part of its ongoing commitment to the organisation.
Also present at the event were SUEF treasurer Datuk Laura Lee Ngien Hion, SUEF advisor Dato Sri Richard Wee, members of the SUEF Board of Trustees, and PERKATA’s senior management team. — DayakDaily
