KUCHING: Nelson Mandela, the first President of South Africa once said: “The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
Sarawak is embracing this vision by recognising the critical role of higher education for its young people — even with plans to offer free tertiary education to all Sarawakians by 2026.
During the Kuching district Sarawak Education Expo 2024 held at the Arcum Tent, Majma Mall on Saturday (July 27), many Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students were awarded the Yayasan Sarawak SPM Excellence Award 2024.
New Sarawak Tribune caught up with some of these outstanding students to learn about their aspirations and their hopes for Sarawak. Their views reveal a deep commitment to building a brighter future for the state.
Anselm Chai, 18
Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak
I’m taking my foundation in engineering at Swinburne Sarawak. I decided to pursue the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field with the goal of contributing to the development of our state. My aspiration is to work in Sarawak and become a civil engineer, helping to advance and improve our state beyond other states in Malaysia. I envision a future where Sarawakians come together to build a brighter and more unified future for our region.
Nur Syamimi Binti Wahab, 18
SMK Matang Jaya
I am happy and relieved to have completed my SPM. Right now, my plan is to pursue my STPM and further my degree at Unimas in social sciences. My dream is to become a diplomat, representing both our state and Malaysia on the international stage. I hope that all Sarawakian students have the opportunity to further their studies, whether locally or internationally, and that every Sarawakian student can pursue higher education.
Amelia Ng, 18
Chung Hua Middle School No. 1
Since my SPM ended, I have been preparing for my upcoming UEC (Unified Examination Certificate). Afterward, I plan to further my studies at a local university probably in accounting or early childhood education. As a student educated in the Chinese language, I sincerely hope the government will place greater emphasis on Chinese education. This should go beyond providing funds to actively promoting the importance of the Chinese language, especially in our diverse state. It is a way to showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity and enhance our multilingual communication skills, which will be advantageous when we engage internationally.
Andrea Airny Callista, 18
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas)
I’m currently pursuing my foundation in physical sciences at Unimas, with plans to further my studies in chemical engineering. As an only child, staying close to my family is important, so I hope to work in Sarawak. I also wish for more students to have the opportunity to pursue higher education, as this will contribute to the growth and development of our state’s economy.
The diverse aspirations of these award-winning young Sarawakians — from advancing engineering to championing diplomatic efforts, and promoting cultural education demonstrate a shared vision of progress and unity.
With free tertiary education on the horizon, Sarawak is not just investing in individual futures but in the collective growth of the state.
