KUCHING, July 21: Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas reiterates that rural parents should not prevent their children from pursuing higher education due to financial constraints.
Uggah noted in a statement that Yayasan Sarawak under the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government offers scholarships and loans.
“The GPS government is the most caring government. Its Sarawak Foundation (Yayasan Sarawak) is offering scholarships and loans.
“We also have corporate bodies like Petronas, Shell, Mara, and the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) for the same purpose besides those offered by the private sector,” he said yesterday at the launch of an educational excellence programme at the Spaoh Community Hall in Spaoh.
The educational excellence programme, initiated by Rajang Teacher’s Training College director Dr Abang Ismail Abang Julhi, aims to increase the number of graduates in the Bukit Saban community.
Uggah, who is also the Bukit Saban assemblyman, described the programme as most appropriate and timely.
He mentioned that Bukit Saban has produced many professionals in various fields, including Dr Abang Ismail, a local from Spaoh.
“We now have many engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, lecturers, politicians, businessmen, and others.
“We want to continue with this tradition so that future generations can continue to contribute to nation-building and, particularly, to the prosperity and well-being of our own community.
“We want our students to know not only how to study, but also how to study effectively in order to achieve their own ambitions,” he emphasised.
Uggah, who is also the Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, stated that he and Betong MP Datuk Robert Lawson Chuat would fully support the programme.
He was glad to note that among the programme’s objectives was to help students master the English language.
Uggah added that he and Chuat would also establish an education fund.
Meanwhile, Dr Abang Ismail stated earlier in his speech that the time had come for Betong to have a matriculation college.
“We have 14 secondary schools and they can be feeder schools for universities including Unimas (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak).
“We are also going to have an airport at Bebuling nearby which is a condition for such a college.
“If we can have the college, our dream of producing more graduates and professionals can be achieved,” he acknowledged.
He remarked that the ‘Bukit Saban Community Education Programme’ would organise activities for preschoolers and upper-class students, with a special emphasis on English mastery to prepare students for a more challenging world outside.
In addition, he thanked Uggah for his consent and active support towards the formation of the programme. — DayakDaily
