In the heart of Sarawak’s rich political history, Christian Isaac Ningkan Gerald Bala emerges as a beacon of hope, ready to carry forward a legacy rooted in integrity, commitment, and youth empowerment.
As the grandson of the late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan, Malaysia’s first Chief Minister of Sarawak, Isaac’s visionary quality is a testament to the profound impact of family heritage and the power of education in shaping one’s aspirations.
Although he never had the chance to meet his grandfather, he finds deep inspiration in the values of integrity, honesty, and bravery that guided his grandfather’s life.
“My grandpa was known to be a very ‘fiery’ man in his lifetime. At the same time, he also knew how to enjoy himself.
“Throughout my years as a leader in school and activities, I’ve adopted a similar approach. I’m serious and stern when it comes to work and tasks, but once the job is done, I unwind and savour the moment.
“To me, being a leader means more than being a boss; it’s about being present and lending a helping hand,” said the 20-year-old.
Reflecting on his family’s post-grandfather era, he noted that his family has not been deeply involved in politics and has remained relatively apolitical.
“I think my grandpa left behind something irreplaceable — his unwavering love and commitment to our state and its people.
“He was a stern man who never wavered in his dedication, especially when it came to fighting for the rights and wellbeing of our own people,” he reflected.
While his lineage may suggest a future in politics, he approaches the possibility with cautious optimism influenced by his grandmother’s wisdom.
“At the moment, I am not actively considering following in my grandfather’s footsteps.
“My grandma has always advised me to focus on obtaining my degree, securing a stable job and income, and establishing a stable life in general before even considering a career in politics,” he recalled.
He also acknowledged that the field of politics is not for the faint of heart and emphasised the importance of gaining experience and knowledge before diving into it headfirst.
For now, he remains dedicated to securing a stable life through education and a career but remains open to the opportunities the future may bring.
However, he shared a profound passion for inspiring and educating younger minds, firmly believing that education is the key to prosperity and development of the nation.
“I am still working out on how I can contribute to our youth of Malaysia. Nonetheless, I’ve been using my substantial social media platform to educate others and stress the importance of education in today’s society,” he said.
Isaac highlighted a concerning trend among today’s youth, where financial gains often take precedence over education.
“I’ve heard of numerous cases of teenagers dropping out of school since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic because they can earn a decent income through delivery services like Grab or FoodPanda. The question that arises is, how sustainable is this in the long run?” he questioned.
“For this reason, I’ve been utilising my platform and influence to guide my juniors and followers on education pathways and what to do after completing their secondary education,” he shared.
He was inspired to empower future and current youth by the transformative lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was one of the more fortunate children that had access to the internet and resources that helped me to not get left in my studies during that time.
“I have witnessed first-hand how the digital divide and the lack of access to resources have negatively impacted the youth back then. In a way, it has become a systemic issue that needs to be tackled,” he recalled.
Throughout this challenging period, his teachers at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St Thomas Kuching played a pivotal role in his preparation of the STPM exam.
“I’m proud to say that my teachers have inspired and shaped me into the person I am now. From Form 1 up until now, I’ve been blessed with zealous teachers that would do anything to see us succeed,” he said.
In reflection, the pandemic ignited his determination to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the nation.
He also expressed his intentions to become more actively involved in the local youth scene in Kuching and Malaysia as a whole, viewing it as a way to serve and give back to the community.
Currently, he offers tuition classes and educational talks to his juniors at his alma mater, SMK St Thomas Kuching, and other students with the hope of raising awareness about the importance of education.
Regarding his own academic path, he mentioned that he will be pursuing a degree in English Literature at Universiti Malaya and has hopes to venture into education.
“It’s pretty funny how I was a full science student now turned full social science and literature kid.
“After I end with this degree, I might want to further into education. I think that this field might fill my passion to inspire and educate younger minds in the future,” he said.
When discussing his greatest inspiration for contributing to society and the community at large, he warmly acknowledged his grandmother’s role.
“My grandma is a true fighter — a courageous, brave, and resourceful woman. Every morning, she would accompany my brother and me to school, offering invaluable advice along the way that has greatly benefited me in life.
“She has instilled in me the importance of education and the value of persistence. ‘Don’t stop until you get your degree’ is what she would always tell me.
“Her wisdom is unparalleled. She has overcome numerous challenges to reach where she is today, witnessing her grandchildren achieve success.
“That has truly inspired me to give my best and to give my all. Hailing from Betong, she has nurtured an exceptional family,” he shared.
Isaac’s ultimate dream is to witness his country prosper and see a new generation of brilliant minds emerge.
He stressed that it should start early, inspire young minds when their potential is fresh and untapped.
“I am a firm believer in the power of education. You may not necessarily need a degree, but completing high school is a must, in my view.
“There are various ways to accomplish this, and I intend to become more actively involved in these programmes,” he said.
