By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Jan 23: Assistant Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew presented education incentives to Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) members’ children.
The handing over ceremony was held at the Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Piasau branch office here earlier today.
Also present to witness the event was NSJA’s president Andy Jong Wan Joon.
The incentive recipients comprised NSJA members’ children who have excelled in their academic and co-curricular activities for the year 2020.
They are Yoyo Ling Le Yi, Chai Koh Jun, Chai Koh Vui, Abraham Nading Kandau, Violet Tania Ucha Roger, Wong Jia Hui, Lenny Lo Zi Hung, Chyrra Haren Desmond, Dellpiero Desmond, Chellsea Lahei Desmond, Bryan Boon Wui Hung, Terrence Tan Wei Jie ,Tia Leonorra Puyang Romi Chai, Chai Koh Vui and Wong Jia Hui.
“This (incentives) is to encourage and spur them on to continue to strive in their studies,” Ting said after handing over the incentives.
The education incentives for 2020 was originally scheduled to be awarded last year, but due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent strict standard operating procedures (SOPs), it was delayed until today.
This is the fifth time NSJA has given such education incentives to children of its members who have excelled in public examinations and studies from kindergarten up to tertiary level.
“Mankind worldwide have been battling Covid-19 since March 2020. We pray this will end soon and before that day comes, please strictly adhere to the SOPs and stay safe. Life will still have to go to ensure survival of the people and keep the economy afloat, especially the education of our children,” Ting said.
“No doubt that the pandemic has sped up the digital transformation in many industries including education. Schools have to close down but education must be continued,” he added.
He further disclosed that the pandemic had given governments reason to push for innovation for distance learning which eventually will benefit many more especially those in rural areas.
“This expand the horizons of accessibility to education no matter where and when. With children being one of the most vulnerable groups, the rise of e-learning definitely helps to give children access to education,” he pointed out,” Ting said.
Ting also said that he will continue to support NSJA’s education incentives for its members’ children. — DayakDaily
