SIBU: Violinist Imran Azim Iskandar who won a gold medal in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Anaheim, California, recently has made Sarawakians proud.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Joseph Chieng said the school student not only emerged as world champion in the classical category but also grabbed a silver medal each in the contemporary and original works categories as well as a bronze medal each in the jazz and open categories.
“From here, we can see, actually kita anak Sarawak can be a world champion so long as our heart is there. If we are willing to learn, willing to study and train hard, we can be successful.
“I think he is a role model for our youngsters to follow,” he said when met by reporters after welcoming Imran home at Sibu Airport here Monday (August 14) along with school teachers and Imran’s family.
Chieng hoped the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts can provide a grant that can help in training more performers to follow Imran’s footsteps.
“The ministry has a lot of grants for us to be able to (assist) performers. They (related agencies) can apply for grants from the ministry so that we will be able to train more potential performers. (Through this) we can put Sarawak’s name at the international level,” he added.
Meanwhile, when asked whether he will be giving any incentive to Imran as an appreciation for his achievement Chieng said he will present an incentive to Imran soon.
“Yes, of course, Imran is a student from SMK Bukit Assek (one of the schools under the Bukit Assek constituency). But I was informed of this matter this morning, so I could not prepare for it. I will visit the school to convey the incentive from my side,” he said.
Chieng also hoped the relevant ministry will also provide an incentive to Imran to motivate as well as appreciate his achievement.
Also present were SMK Bukit Assek principal Abdul Rahman @ Nicholas and others.
