From Birth To Career: Sarawak Premier’s Initiatives Transform Lives
KUCHING: Behind every form of assistance provided lies a life waiting to be improved, a dream seeking fulfilment and a future being built.
From a newborn taking its first steps into the world and families striving to make ends meet, to children from rural communities pursuing their ambitions and professionals returning to serve their home state, various Sarawak Government initiatives are making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people.
For Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, the Government’s inclusive development approach goes beyond providing assistance.
It is about creating opportunities for every Sarawakian to build a better life, regardless of their background, place of residence or socioeconomic status.
The story of Sylvia Jiau from Kampung Semadang, Padawan, illustrates how attention to the well-being of the people begins from birth.
She received RM450 under the Bantuan Ibu Bersalin (BIB) scheme, while her eight-month-old son has an initial savings fund of RM1,000 through the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS), which he can access upon reaching the age of 18.
Although the amount may seem modest to some, it represents the beginning of financial planning for a child’s future.
For Pusspa Trozen Vera Samy from Tabuan Dayak, Kuching, the benefits came in the form of assistance with daily necessities.
As a recipient of the Sumbangan Keperluan Asas Sarawak (SKAS) under the single-person category, she also benefits from a 25 per cent discount on her electricity bill and a RM5 reduction in her monthly water bill.
Such assistance gives recipients some financial breathing space by helping them manage essential expenses amid the rising cost of living.
In Kota Samarahan, Anuar Peli, a van driver with six children, receives RM200 a month in rental assistance.
For a family breadwinner responsible for ensuring the well-being of his wife and six children, the assistance helps ease the burden of monthly expenses.
Meanwhile, Leong Soi Mei from Sarikei received RM10,000 under the Skim Bantuan Deposit Perumahan dan Bayaran Balik (HDRAS), helping to ease the financial burden of purchasing her first home.
Opening Doors To Education, Transforming Futures
While welfare assistance helps ease the challenges of daily life, education serves as a bridge to a better future for the next generation.
For Fathyyass Lawai Tan, a Penan student from Ulu Baram, the opportunity to pursue the Cambridge curriculum at Sekolah Menengah Antarabangsa Yayasan Sarawak (YSISS) has opened the door to an international-standard education.
The same opportunity is enjoyed by Melvina Nara anak Alexander Betie, an Iban student from Rumah James, Lubuk Kelampu, Betong.
The stories of both students demonstrate that a child’s place of residence and family background should not be barriers to accessing quality education in Sarawak.
At tertiary level, opportunities to build a brighter future continue through the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
Gloria Dau Aju from Uma Belor, Belaga, is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Technology Management at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), while Priska Emban Kenedy from Rumah Uri, Bebuling Atas, Spaoh, is furthering her studies in Agrotechnology at i-CATS University College.
Another recipient, Syaza Irwani Adriana Mohd Qushairi, is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Computing at Curtin University Malaysia.
In Miri, Terry Lin Zhen Bin, a former student of Sekolah Menengah Pei Min, is also benefiting from FTES to begin his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
They come from different backgrounds and places, but share one common opportunity: the chance to go further through higher education.
This year alone, approximately 6,246 Sarawakian students are enrolled in 64 programmes under FTES, reflecting efforts to widen access to tertiary education for the state’s younger generation.
Sarawakians Returning To Serve Their Home State
However, the journey towards building Sarawak’s future does not end when its young people complete their studies.
Instead, the knowledge, expertise and experience they acquire become valuable assets in developing their home state.
Among those highlighted is Siti Aisyah Mohd, now the Governance and Compliance Manager at Sarawak Petchem, who brings experience in environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, including the development of an RM200 million agrotechnology financing programme at Agrobank.
Also contributing her expertise at the same company is Abang Noor Akmal Yahya Abang Rosli, Engineering and Technology Manager, who has more than 25 years of experience in the petrochemical and chemical manufacturing industries across six countries.
Aldrin Glenn Roland also contributes his expertise to Sarawak Petchem as a Senior Rotating Equipment Engineer.
The story of Randu Rangen from Kampung Stabut, Padawan, further demonstrates how Sarawakians can make significant strides in their professional careers.
He obtained a Master of Science degree in Environment, Politics and Society from University College London before returning to serve as a legal adviser at PETROS.
In the healthcare sector, Jacinta Lim from Limbang received a full Yayasan Sarawak scholarship in 2016 to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Physiotherapy at Curtin University in Australia.
Drawing on the knowledge and experience she gained, she subsequently founded Rehab Concept, which now operates three physiotherapy centres in Kuching and Petaling Jaya.
Their achievements not only reflect the potential of local talent but also demonstrate how investment in human capital development can produce professionals, entrepreneurs and experts who give back to society.
From a newborn’s first savings fund and assistance that eases the burden on families, to educational opportunities for children from remote communities and the expertise of Sarawakians who return to contribute to their home state, each story carries the same message.
Development is measured not merely by the amount of funding allocated or the number of projects implemented, but also by the opportunities created, the burdens eased and the futures transformed in the lives of the people.
-UKASnews
