(Miri, 1st) Sarawak Taiwan Alumni Association President Siao Te Cai stated in his speech at the “2026 (Bingwu Year) Chinese New Year Gathering and 37th Council Inauguration & Outstanding Member Children Award Banquet” last night that since its establishment, the association has walked through 61 years, always upholding the original intention of 'education as the foundation, culture as the root, and society in mind,' and continuously paving pathways for Sarawak students to further their studies.
He said that over the long term, the Taiwan Alumni Association has cherished the essence and spirit of Chinese culture, while also being fully aware of the realities of a pluralistic society, always respecting and abiding by national education policies, emphasizing the importance of Bahasa Malaysia and English, encouraging the younger generation to be multilingual and strive for self-improvement, to meet the increasingly intense international competitive environment.
Siao Te Cai especially thanked the Sarawak government for adhering to moderate and open-minded policies for many years, recognizing the Unified Examination Certificate of independent Chinese high schools, and continuously allocating funds annually to support Sarawak’s 14 independent Chinese high schools, effectively helping them break free from long-standing financial and developmental difficulties.
He pointed out that this policy not only demonstrates the government's respect for educational diversity, but also brings hope to countless families.
He pointed out that this policy not only demonstrates the government's respect for educational diversity, but also brings hope to countless families.
He expressed that, in line with the Sarawak government’s enlightened policies, the association formally launched the “Sharing the Blue Sky Further Studies Program” two years ago, which upholds that under the same blue sky and white clouds, education should not be limited by ethnicity or background. As a result, the target group for further study recommendations is no longer limited to Chinese students, but is open to non-Chinese students and even those from inland and remote areas, allowing more children the opportunity to change their lives.
He said that even students with weaker financial backgrounds or lower learning starting points, as long as they are willing to work hard, can also strengthen their capabilities through multilingual learning advantages and bravely take to the international stage.
However, he also admitted that it is necessary to soberly face real challenges. Taiwan is currently facing issues of declining birth rates, societal structural changes, and policy adjustments. In the future, approximately 40% of universities may face enrollment pressures or even the risk of closure. In such circumstances, the alumni association must be even more cautious and pragmatic regarding directions for study guidance and recommendations.
“In the future, we will place greater emphasis on selecting and recommending high-quality universities, and be stricter and more precise in admission directions.”
He said that compared to the past, Sarawak students now have more diverse options for further studies. In addition to the Sarawak government's free higher education policy, China and Western countries have also become popular choices for local students.
He said that compared to the past, Sarawak students now have more diverse options for further studies. In addition to the Sarawak government's free higher education policy, China and Western countries have also become popular choices for local students.
He emphasized that in the face of competition, the alumni association must continuously strengthen and clarify its positioning and role in order to continue to deliver genuine value to students and society.
He hopes that the Sarawak Taiwan Alumni Association and its branches will continue to work hand-in-hand with the government, schools, and all sectors of society in the future to jointly cultivate more talents with international vision, multilingual abilities, and a sense of social responsibility for Sarawak.
