SONG: The Ministry for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Outreach Programme 2026 Kapit Division served as an important platform in expanding access to information on educational opportunities, scholarships, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and career paths for students and parents, particularly in the Song area.

Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that the programme held at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Song aimed to serve as a link between the opportunities available and those ready to seize them.

“From informative exhibitions by educational institutions and TVET, to STEM challenges and talks on career paths and skills, each activity today is designed to open up opportunities and spark aspirations,” he said when speaking at the programme on Tuesday.

Dato Sri Roland also stressed the importance of TVET as among the important pathways for the younger generation to build a career, especially in sectors that require highly skilled workers.

According to him, the development of digital technology, automation and renewable energy has also increased the demand for skilled workers, thus opening up wider career opportunities for the younger generation of Sarawak.

Meanwhile, he described SMK Song's success in the Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia (SPM) 2025 as proof that students in rural and remote areas are also able to record impressive academic performance when given the appropriate support and educational opportunities.

For the record, SMK Song's School Grade Point increased from 4.89 to 4.29, while 98.02 per cent of candidates qualified to receive the certificate.

"This increase is a positive development that reflects the school community's continuous efforts to strengthen students' academic achievements.

"This achievement should be a catalyst for students to continue to improve their performance and explore various educational and skill paths after finishing school," he added.

Meanwhile, Katibas Assemblyman Lidam Assan said that the academic achievements of SMK Song reflect the potential of students in the area and need to continue to be driven through continuous support from the school, parents and community.

He added that the MEITD 2026 Outreach Programme provides a space for students and parents to obtain direct information on educational options and career paths after SPM.

Also present were MEITD Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa'ee, MEITD Permanent Secretary Datu Adana Jed, Song District Education Officer Azaman Hailee, Song District Officer Harry Bruce Edwin and SMK Song Principal Awin Engga. -UKASnews