MIRI: Sarawak needs young people who can think, adapt and innovate.
That was the message delivered by Sarawak Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, as he officiated SMK Merbau’s ‘Majlis Anugerah Pelajar Cemerlang dan Majlis Graduasi 2025’ at Dewan Bunga Raya here on Saturday.
He said the school’s achievements reflect a strong foundation of discipline, commitment and cooperation between students, teachers and parents.
However, he stressed that academic results alone are no longer enough.
“Success is not accidental. It comes from hard work, sacrifice and support. But the world is changing quickly.
“Our young people must be equipped with the right mindset and the right skills to lead,” he said.
Lee highlighted that character development, leadership and confidence are now essential qualities.
He pointed to co-curricular participation as a critical training ground for teamwork, problem-solving and emotional maturity.
Programmes such as ‘Duta Sahsiah’ were praised for embedding values of respect, responsibility and empathy.
These, Lee said, are the qualities that shape trustworthy and grounded future leaders.
Parents, he added, must stay engaged.
“Children need encouragement, not pressure. They need presence, not just expectations. When parents and teachers stand together, students thrive,”he said.
Looking ahead, the minister called on students to align their ambitions with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which focuses on building a skilled and competitive workforce.
Opportunities will grow in engineering, automation, digital technology, renewable energy, and other technical fields.
“Your achievement today is not a finish line. It is your starting point.
“Sarawak is moving forward, and we need young minds who are ready to build and lead,” he said.
To the award recipients, he offered a final challenge: keep going.
“Let today inspire you to aim higher. Sarawak needs your ideas, your character and your courage,” he said.
The ceremony closed with the official launch of SMK Merbau’s 2025 Excellence Awards programme, reinforcing the school’s commitment to producing students who are not only academically strong, but future-ready.
He said the school’s achievements reflect a strong foundation of discipline, commitment and cooperation between students, teachers and parents.
However, he stressed that academic results alone are no longer enough.
“Success is not accidental. It comes from hard work, sacrifice and support. But the world is changing quickly.
“Our young people must be equipped with the right mindset and the right skills to lead,” he said.
Lee highlighted that character development, leadership and confidence are now essential qualities.
He pointed to co-curricular participation as a critical training ground for teamwork, problem-solving and emotional maturity.
Programmes such as ‘Duta Sahsiah’ were praised for embedding values of respect, responsibility and empathy.
These, Lee said, are the qualities that shape trustworthy and grounded future leaders.
Parents, he added, must stay engaged.
“Children need encouragement, not pressure. They need presence, not just expectations. When parents and teachers stand together, students thrive,”he said.
Looking ahead, the minister called on students to align their ambitions with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, which focuses on building a skilled and competitive workforce.
Opportunities will grow in engineering, automation, digital technology, renewable energy, and other technical fields.
“Your achievement today is not a finish line. It is your starting point.
“Sarawak is moving forward, and we need young minds who are ready to build and lead,” he said.
To the award recipients, he offered a final challenge: keep going.
“Let today inspire you to aim higher. Sarawak needs your ideas, your character and your courage,” he said.
The ceremony closed with the official launch of SMK Merbau’s 2025 Excellence Awards programme, reinforcing the school’s commitment to producing students who are not only academically strong, but future-ready.