Ora Et Labora Run Brings Josephian Family Together & Raises Funds For School Masterplan
KUCHING: The Old Josephians’ Association (OJA) Kuching successfully organised the 9th edition of the Ora Et Labora Run on 24 October 2026, bringing together close to 1,300 participants comprising students, alumni, and members of the public to foster community unity and support school development.
The event was flagged off by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Prof. Dr. Sim Kui Hian in his capacity as OJA President.
Also present were Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts and Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Sarawak Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Member of the Senate Senator Dato Ahmad Ibrahim, and Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Kuching Dato Dr Simon Peter Poh.
In his address, Datuk Amat Dr Sim praised the St Joseph’s Family of Schools – encompassing SMK St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s Private School, and St. Joseph’s International School – and their alumni for demonstrating strong solidarity, following their earlier collaboration during the Back-to-School Games in July.
Highlighting the institution’s historical legacy, he noted that St Joseph’s School has played a pivotal role in Sarawak’s nation-building journey over the past 60 years since independence, producing thousands of professionals and leaders, including four out of Sarawak’s six Premiers and Chief Ministers.
He also provided an update on Phase 1 of the St Joseph’s School Masterplan, which involves upgrading key infrastructure such as the school amphitheatre for indoor co-curricular activities and dedicated student leisure spaces.
Requiring RM1.6 million in funding, the project is scheduled for completion within six months by April 2027 in preparation for the school's 145th anniversary celebration.
The run featured three categories: a 1.4km Walk, a 5km Fun Run, and a 10km Competitive Run.
In the 10km Men's Open, Mohd Faris took first place to win RM500, followed by Mohd Mustapha and Chong Yen Boon in second and third place, while Apple Cheng won the Women's Open, followed by Joan Nery Anicete and Junicia Alicia Rut.
In the student categories, Crederich Darrel and Sharon Chew emerged as champions in the Boys' Open and Girls' Open respectively.
The event also hosted the presentation of contribution cheques from the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) annual financial grant 2026 for mission schools.
Presented by Satok Assemblyman and Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki, SMK St Joseph received RM175,570.05, SMK St Theresa received RM130,000, and SK St Theresa received RM129,994.30 to support infrastructure maintenance, building repairs, and educational equipment purchases. - UKASnews
