Batu Kitang rep urges Sarawakians to seize free tertiary education opportunity

KUCHING (Nov 30): Batu Kitang assemblyman Dato Lo Khere Chiang has called on Sarawakians to make full use of the state government’s free tertiary education initiative.

He stressed the importance of pursuing education, noting that it is fundamental to nation-building and the state’s progress, citing Singapore as an example.

“The same way Singapore prospers — they have no oil, no timber, nothing to sell. But through education, they have developed a powerful human resource. Their strength lies in the knowledge they carry,” he said when attending the Carols of Peace concert at the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) multipurpose hall here on Saturday night.

Lo added that Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has consistently reminded parents and elders to encourage children to take their education seriously.

“Encourage them to gain knowledge and pursue their studies,” he said.

Reflecting on his own experience, Lo shared that his father had worked tirelessly to send him abroad for his studies at a time when Malaysia had very few universities.

“I managed to obtain a university education because of my father’s dedication and love,” he said.

Carols of Peace is an annual Christmas charity concert organised by the Kuching Choral Society (KCS) together with the Kuching Concert and Marching Band Association (KCMBA).

The event aims to raise funds to support the operations and development of the Home of Peace (HOP), located at Lot 183, Jalan Landeh, Kota Padawan.

The Home of Peace provides care for elderly persons who are poor or destitute, regardless of race or religion, and is wholly owned and managed by the Catholic Welfare Services Council Sarawak.

The evening also featured performances by the KCS Choir, KCMBA, Kuching Wind Symphony (KWS), D’Quaver string quartet, soloist Loey Lê Phương Ly, St Joseph’s Private School Concert Band and Chamber Choir, as well as Indonesia’s Vocasan Choir.

Also present were HOP chairman Jacob Wong, KCS chairman Benedict JC Lo, KWS Wilson JL Tan and other distinguished guests.