By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, June 17: Sarawak will take the Teochew community’s narrative in establishing Kuching High School as a model in highlighting the importance of education to improve the people’s standard of living.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg noted that since the early days of the Teochew community’s presence in Sarawak, they not only operated businesses but also were involved in roles covering education.
This was reflected in the setting up of Kuching High School which was founded by Kuching Teochew Association in 1916.
“You (Teochew) set up Kuching High School—that is the key for us to move forward and I take that as a model.
“For Sarawak to come up, be able to uplift their standard of living and to be competitive, we must have Sarawakians who are fully disciplined and have the relevant education.
“Against that background, it has been our aim that by 2026, we want to give free tertiary education to all Sarawakians as long as you have the ‘K’ status, in all Sarawak-owned universities,” he said when speaking during the 160th Kuching Teochew Association anniversary celebration dinner at Imperial Hotel here last night (June 16).
Among others, Abang Johari mentioned that Sarawak has recognised the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) and is consistently providing financial assistance to Chinese schools every year.
At the same event, Abang Johari also announced financial aid worth RM160,000 for Kuching High School. — DayakDaily
