RM50,000 boost for Chung Hua’s continued development

SIBU: The Chung Hua education institution, spanning its kindergarten, SJK, and SMK levels, has marked 110 years of educational service, reflecting the collective dedication of generations.

Moving forward, stronger collaboration between the school, its alumni, families, and the wider community is essential to sustain this legacy for the future.

To support this milestone, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced a RM50,000 allocation for the institution’s continued development.

The announcement was delivered on his behalf by his press secretary, Ross Sia, at the Chung Hua 110th Anniversary Celebration Dinner held at a leading hotel here on Saturday (Oct 10).

In his speech delivered by Sia, Tiong congratulated the institution on reaching the milestone, describing it as a testament to the sustained commitment of educators, school board members, alumni, parents and members of the public who had contributed to its growth over more than a century.

He said the significance of the anniversary extended beyond the institution’s history, reflecting the role of education in nurturing generations of students who would go on to contribute to their families, society and the nation.

He noted that the true value of education lay not only in academic achievement but also in developing individuals capable of shouldering responsibilities and serving the community.

Addressing the changing education landscape, Tiong, who is also Dudong assemblyman, said ongoing reforms in the education system, including adjustments to curricula, textbooks and subjects, were intended to better prepare students for future needs.

However, he acknowledged that implementing such changes required time and adjustment, particularly for schools and teachers who had to revise teaching preparations, adapt to new approaches and cope with training, resource and equipment requirements.

Sia (seated centre), flanked by Teo (on her left) and Wong (on her right), poses for a photo with organising committee members and other dignitaries.

He stressed that teachers needed greater understanding and support as they navigated these changes, adding that education could not be the responsibility of teachers alone.

Schools, parents and the wider community must work together to provide students with a supportive learning environment, he said.

Tiong also urged the Chung Hua Alumni Association to take a more active role in supporting the institution, emphasising that its function should extend beyond maintaining friendships and organising social gatherings.

Instead, he said, the association should serve as a meaningful bridge between the institution and society by mobilising the knowledge, experience, professional expertise and resources of alumni from different backgrounds.

He cautioned against placing the entire responsibility for educational development on the government and school authorities, saying every individual had a part to play in strengthening the institution.

The alumni association, he said, should proactively understand the institution’s development needs and challenges, offering practical assistance whenever necessary.

Tiong further called on former students to uphold the principle of giving back to their alma mater, recognising that the institution had provided the knowledge and foundation that enabled them to establish themselves and progress in their respective fields.

He encouraged alumni who had achieved success to share their experience, knowledge and resources with younger students, helping the next generation develop their potential.

He said such a cycle of support would allow the institution to continue nurturing capable individuals who, in turn, would contribute to its future development and the broader community.

Beyond academic performance, Tiong also urged the institution to continue placing emphasis on character development, a sense of responsibility, independent thinking and adaptability.

With children growing up in an increasingly connected digital environment, he said access to abundant information did not necessarily translate into sound judgement.

Schools and families therefore had to work together to teach young people to distinguish right from wrong, respect others and take responsibility for their decisions.

Tiong said the institution’s first 110 years had been built on the efforts of successive generations, while its next chapter would depend on the willingness of the present generation to continue that commitment.

He expressed hope that the school board, teachers, parents, alumni and the wider community would remain united in addressing educational challenges and creating better learning opportunities for future students.

Among those present were Bawang Assan assemblyman, Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh; Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau Lee Ming; Chung Hua Alumni Association’s Chairman, Datuk Teo Boon Siew; and School Board of Management’s Chairman. Robert Chew.

Chew (second right) presents a souvenir to Sia.