SIBU: A prominent leader here, Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau, encouraged students of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St. Elizabeth to seize the educational opportunities presented by the Sarawak government.
Lau urged the students to consider pursuing higher studies in state-owned colleges and universities following the completion of their SPM examinations.
He announced a significant initiative during the school’s annual appreciation and prize-giving day today: “From 2026, the Sarawak government is providing free education in colleges and universities owned and managed by the government.”
This initiative is expected to benefit 25,000 academically deserving students across five institutions, including the University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University, Swinburne University, i-Cats University College, and the Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak.
In addition to highlighting the future educational opportunities, Lau commended the school for its outstanding 2022 SPM results, with 26 students achieving a minimum of 10As.
School principal Chee Hue Yiang said a total of 321 students received awards and certificates across various categories and levels.
Among these, 124 students were honoured with excellent academic awards, 89 for outstanding co-curricular activities, and 108 for application awards and certificates.
Special recognition was given to Rachel Teo Kai Ern, who received the Sri Puteri Akademik Eliza, and Renee Kang Yan Han, the recipient of the Sri Puteri Bakti Eliza 2023 award.
Reflecting on the occasion, Chee said: “This annual appreciation and prize-giving day not only celebrates our students and their achievements in the past year but also acknowledges their continuous efforts and hard work throughout the year.”
Chee thanked sponsors of the awards, including Dr. Teh Lee Gek, Mary Winifred You, and Patrick Yii.
