Education must extend beyond classrooms, says Sibu school board chairman

SIBU (Jan 25): Education should not be confined to classrooms alone but must extend into the wider community as a platform for continuous dialogue, reflection and shared wisdom, said Datuk Tiong Thai King.

The chairman of United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Board of Management Sibu said this in his speech at the launch of Datuk Stella Chin’s latest bestseller, ‘The Happiness That I Know’, at Sibu Hua Wen Du Zhong here on Friday night.

Tiong said the event was not merely organised to promote a new publication, but to foster a more open and diverse platform for intellectual exchange and cultural engagement within the community.

“Education is both a marketplace of ideas and a source of wisdom. It should not only take place within school walls, but also within the community, becoming a bridge that connects different generations and backgrounds,” he said.

He expressed his appreciation to Chin, describing her as not only a successful entrepreneur but also a respected writer whose life experiences have inspired many young scholars over the years.

Chin, widely recognised for her entrepreneurial achievements and thought leadership, has spent more than two decades leading international ventures and mentoring young professionals.

She has received multiple awards for excellence in business and women’s leadership, and her writings often explore personal growth, resilience and the importance of self-investment.

“Through her writings and sharing, she offers profound reflections on life, growth and responsibility, which are relevant to people at all stages of life,” Tiong said, adding that such themes resonate with students, working adults and seniors alike.

Tiong also thanked teachers, students, parents, community members and media representatives for their presence, noting that their participation elevated the event into a meaningful cultural gathering rather than a routine book launch.

Addressing students in particular, he encouraged them to go beyond academic excellence by cultivating critical thinking, wisdom, humility and compassion.

“This world is full of complex challenges and limitless possibilities. Besides acquiring professional knowledge, it is equally important to develop the ability to think deeply, understand others, and form your own values and worldview,” he said.

He expressed hope that the sharing session would inspire young people while also offering new perspectives and insights to individuals at different stages of life, concluding with wishes for a meaningful evening filled with reflection and inspiration for a more purposeful future.