Lee Kim Shin: Teachers as Shapers of the Nation's Future, Encouraged to Continuously Enhance Their Professional Skills

(Miri, 24th) Dato Seri Lee Kim Shin, Sarawak's Minister of Transport and State Assemblyman for Senadin, stated that teachers are not only conveyors of knowledge but also shapers of the nation's future. Therefore, they must continuously enhance their professional status and social recognition.

He said that teachers' unions should continue to play a key role in listening to the difficulties and challenges teachers face in schools, actively safeguarding teachers' rights, and assisting teachers in continuously advancing on their professional development path.

Lee Kim Shin expressed these sentiments this morning at the Bayong Hotel in Miri, during the opening of the 22nd Annual General Meeting of the Sarawak Teachers' Union (STU), Miri Branch, and the 2024/2025 “Bintang Setia Guru” (BSG) Award Ceremony, Teachers' Academic Encouragement Certificates, Members' Children's Excellence Scholarships, and New Member Recruitment Awards.

He pointed out that this event is not only an important annual meeting for the union but also a series of significant recognition ceremonies, including
paying tribute to retired members and presenting the "Bintang Setia Guru" award to recognize their longstanding contributions and dedication to the Sarawak Teachers' Union; presenting academic certificates to members completing further study courses in 2024; awarding SPM, STPM, university preparatory, and foundation course excellence scholarships to encourage members' children to study hard; and new member recruitment rewards aimed at attracting more educators to join the union, strengthening the teachers' front.

"I am pleased to see many teachers bravely enhancing themselves, with some having completed master's and even doctoral courses. Your achievements are a pride for the entire education sector."

He also praised the excellent academic achievements of members' children in 2023 and 2024 and expressed gratitude to the parents who have been silently supportive behind the scenes.

Lee Kim Shin stated that the union, in addition to caring for the welfare of current members, should actively expand its influence by attracting more teachers from Miri, Baram, and Sibuti to join, to collectively voice for the improvement of education quality and teachers' rights.

He also announced an allocation of RM10,000 to the Sarawak Teachers' Union Miri Branch on the spot to fund more beneficial activities for members.

He urged the union to continue planning enriching and meaningful activities for all members to actively participate in and benefit from.

Finally, Lee Kim Shin extended high gratitude to the organizing committee, especially to all the directors and members of the STU Miri Branch, and officially announced the opening of the "22nd Sarawak Teachers' Union Miri Branch Annual General Meeting, Loyal Star Teacher Award and Excellence Academic Award Ceremony."