Opar rep urges students to overcome English language apprehension

BAU: Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang has urged educators to inspire prospective students and alleviate concerns about English language proficiency, noting its use as the medium of instruction in state government Institutions of Higher Education (IPT).

Expressing concerns among students about their proficiency in English, particularly as it is used in universities offering free education from 2026, including Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, Sarawak University of Technology (UTS), Laila Taib College, and i-CATS University College, he urged educators to address these fears.

“What worries our children is Swinburne University of Technology, Curtin University, Sarawak University of Technology (UTS) that use English mediums. So let’s not let them fear the English language, and for teachers in secondary schools, tell them we need a skilled workforce by 2030,” he stressed.

Speaking at the ceremony for school uniform assistance vouchers by Yayasan Sarawak for Opar constituency at the Bau District Office Complex on Friday (Dec 15), Billy highlighted the importance of nurturing students’ mindset to instil confidence in their ability to effectively communicate and write in English as part of their daily routine.

The school uniform assistance vouchers were distributed to seven Year One students of SK Opar, SK Tembawang, and SK St Theresa, along with nine Form One students of SMK Bau.

Billy also approved grants for the allocation of Minor Rural Projects (MRP) for the year 2024 to the Parent-Teacher Association of SMK Bau and SK St Theresa, each amounting to RM10,000.