By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Dec 10: Sarawak has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Chinese education with more than RM1.55 million channelled to two Chinese private secondary schools in Miri.
According to a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian presented RM724,549 to Sekolah Menengah Pei Min and RM833,890 to Riam Road Secondary School during two separate ceremonies held on Tuesday (Dec 9).
Speaking at the events, Dr Sim said Sarawak’s policy recognising the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) has now entered its tenth year, reflecting the State’s sustained support for a diverse and inclusive education landscape.
“The assistance is part of the State government’s RM10 million annual allocation for 14 Chinese private secondary schools across Sarawak, making it the only state in Malaysia to provide financial support for Chinese education on such a scale.
“This is not a temporary measure. It forms part of Sarawak’s long-term development plan. Education is the foundation of our nation-building,” he said.
He emphasised that Chinese education in Sarawak is not confined to one community but is open to all Sarawakians regardless of race or background.
At Sekolah Menengah Pei Min, the school board’s deputy director Ting Jack Sieng expressed gratitude for the continuous support, saying it has strengthened efforts to provide a safer and more competitive learning environment. He also welcomed the State government’s move to introduce free tertiary education starting 2026, noting that UEC holders will benefit equally.
At Riam Road Secondary School, board director Dato Sri Law Kiu Kiong said Sarawak’s recognition of the UEC marked a historic step that widened educational pathways for students and demonstrated the State’s inclusive approach to human capital development. He said the policy shows that education is evaluated by merit and potential rather than ethnicity. — DayakDaily
