Education is more than academic.

SIBU, 11 Oct: Education is not just about conveying knowledge but also shaping the lives of younger generations and having a long-term impact on families, communities and societies.

Member of the Bawang Assan State Legislative Assembly (ADUN), Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said that a school's legacy lies not only in the buildings or facilities it owns, but also in the life shaped and values applied among students.

He believes that the experience of serving in education provides a unique satisfaction when he sees former students succeed in their careers and contribute to society.

"Every time I see my former students achieving success in society and seeing their contributions to families, communities and nations, I feel a satisfaction that's hard to put into words", she said.

He said this during his speech at the 110th Anniversary Dinner of Chung Hua High School here, last night.

Wong explained that his memories of eight years serving as the school's principal from 1975 to 1983 remain among the most meaningful experiences of his life, despite having left the school for 43 years.

According to him, during that period, the school side sought to expand academic capacity gradually until class structure expanded into ninth floors, before the tenth and eleventh floors were created.

"The number of students also increased to over 2,400 people at the peak of school development at that time", he said.

He said that in addition to academic achievements, the school also emphasizes on quality of teaching, discipline and co-curricular activities including sports, culture, music, public speaking as well as uniformed teams.

According to him, many former Chung Hua students have now successfully built careers in business, professional, education, medicine, engineering, law and public service, as well as contributing to families and communities.

Meanwhile, he emphasized the importance of alumni to continue supporting the development of the school through contributions of ideas, expertise, time and resources.

He cited the alumni's suggestion to build a rooftop sports arena that also serves as a hub for multi-purpose activities as an example of contributing back to the institutions that once shaped their lives.

Commenting on the direction of education, Wong said schools should continue to maintain academic excellence, while strengthening creativity, critical thinking, leadership, entrepreneurial development, teamwork and social responsibility among students.

"The development of artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, semiconductors and green energy is transforming the economy as well as employment patterns. So, students need to be equipped with the capacity to face these changes", he explained.

He hoped Chung Hua High School would continue to produce a generation that appreciates their culture, language, history and values, while daring to pursue ideals and explore new opportunities on a global scale.

Wong also acknowledged the contributions of previous generations including board members, principals, teachers, staff, parents, alumni and community leaders in developing the school.

He hopes Chung Hua will continue to maintain excellence, embrace innovation and remain as an educational institution of Sibu and Sarawak pride.