MIRI: The Sarawak Government's consistent commitment to supporting Chinese education continued to be demonstrated when two Sekolah Menengah Persendirian Cina (SMPC) in Miri received allocations totaling more than RM1.55 million in a handover ceremony officiated by Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Professor Dr Sim Kui Hian.

The separate ceremonies held at the Auditorium of Pei Min Secondary School and Riam Road Secondary School (RRSS), on Tuesday involved the handover of allocations of RM724,549 to SM Pei Min and RM833,890 to RRSS respectively.

Speaking at the ceremony, Datuk Amar Dr Sim stressed that Sarawak's policy of recognising Chinese education including the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) is now entering its 10th year, thus proving the state government's long-term commitment to diversity-based education.

"This is not a temporary policy. This is part of the Sarawak state building plan. Education is the foundation of our nation building," he said.

He stressed that Chinese education in Sarawak is not exclusive to one community, but is open to all Sarawakians regardless of race and background.

According to him, the allocation is part of the Sarawak Government's RM10 million annual allocation to 14 SMPC throughout the state, making Sarawak the only state in Malaysia that provides consistent financial support on a large scale to Chinese education.

Meanwhile, SM Pei Min Deputy Director of Management Ting Jack Sieng expressed appreciation for the state government's continued support, which he said has greatly helped the school in providing a safer, more advanced and competitive learning environment.

He also welcomed the announcement of the implementation of Sarawak's free higher education policy starting 2026, which will also benefit UEC graduates on par with other education streams.

Additionally, RRSS Director of Management Dato Sri Law Kiu Kiong said that Sarawak's recognition of UEC is a historic step that opens up wider educational pathways for students and proves the state government's inclusive approach to human capital development.

"This policy shows that education is not limited by race, but is assessed based on ability and potential," he said. -UKASnews