(Miri, 24th) The Minister for Transport Sarawak, YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, emphasized that Chinese primary schools not only bear the responsibility of education but also the mission of passing on Chinese culture, ensuring that the new generation deeply understands traditional Chinese culture.
Chinese Primary Schools Should Pass on Culture, Avoid Westernized Titles
Lee Kim Shin stated that Chinese primary schools should teach students to understand traditional Chinese culture, including family names, generational ranks, and addressing elders, to avoid Westernized titles and enable students to build the correct cultural concepts from an early age. He hopes that while teaching academic knowledge, Chinese primary school teachers can also impart the significance and importance of traditional Chinese festivals, laying a deeper cultural foundation.
He made the above remark last night during the installation ceremony and Chinese New Year (Year of the Snake) celebration of the newly elected committee of the United Association of Chinese Primary Aided School Boards of Management for Miri and Limbang Divisions at the Boulevard Chinese Restaurants Miri. He also congratulated the association on its successful re-election and congratulated Pemanca Yap Tze Yin on his election as the new chairman, while thanking Kapitan Tan Williams for his past contributions to the board.
Sarawak Government Promotes Transport Development, AirBorneo Expected to Launch Early Next Year
Lee Kim Shin pointed out that the Sarawak government currently has its own bank and airline, and has successfully regained management rights of Bintulu Port Authority. He revealed that the airline will be named "AirBorneo", aiming to make Sarawak a Borneo aviation hub.
He further stated that "AirBorneo" is expected to commence operations early next year, initially strengthening routes between Sarawak and Sabah, and plans to open international flights in the future to further enhance regional transport connectivity.
Enhance Chinese Education Level, Promote Digital Education
In terms of Chinese education development, he said that the good development of Chinese primary schools depends on the efforts of the boards and teachers. He emphasized that Chinese primary schools and independent secondary schools should continuously improve the education level and keep up with the times, especially in digital education, where electronic whiteboards and LED TVs should be introduced for teaching to meet modern educational needs.
Since Chinese primary schools do not receive government subsidies, many digital teaching tools need to be self-funded by the boards. Therefore, he called for support from all sectors of society for the development of Chinese primary schools, and to strengthen students' proficiency in the national language and English. Also, he encouraged Chinese primary school teachers to learn continuously and master electronic teaching skills to ensure students can keep pace with global educational development.
Funding Assistance for Flood-Affected Chinese Primary Schools
In addition, Lee Kim Shin suggested that the United Association of Chinese Primary Aided School Boards of Management for Miri and Limbang Divisions collect information on Chinese primary schools affected by floods and write to Deputy Chief Minister YB Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, who is in charge of Chinese school affairs in Sarawak, to apply for funding from the Chinese school affairs unit, and also provide him with a copy to assist in following up on related matters.
To support affected schools, he announced a grant of RM15,000 as a disaster relief fund at the meeting, with an additional RM10,000 from Deputy Minister of Tourism Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, and RM5,000 from Pujut constituency state assemblyman Adam Yii, to assist with post-disaster reconstruction and recovery work.
