Sarawak should collaborate with world-renowned institutions such as Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford to design an education framework that is respected globally, says Wong. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
SIBU (Sept 19): Sarawak must develop its own path in education and not rely on systems shaped by others if it wishes to achieve true success, said Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh.
He stressed that Sarawak should collaborate with world-renowned institutions such as Harvard, Cambridge, and Oxford to design an education framework that is respected globally.
“Sarawak must create our own education system. We must not follow, we must lead.
“While we acknowledge the Sarawak government’s effort in strengthening English education as a wise and timely move, this step alone is not enough.
“Despite years of emphasis on English, the standard in Sarawak remains low and unsatisfactory,” Wong said in a statement today.
He emphasised that education should never be trapped by racial politics or narrow interest, but must serve as the foundation that unites Sarawakians and prepares them to stand tall among nations.
“We must not fall into the false debate of ‘Bahasa Malaysia versus English’.
“The truth is clear: Bahasa Malaysia unites us at home, while English empowers us abroad.”
Highlighting the importance of teachers, Wong said the strength of English education in Sarawak depends on the strength of its teachers.
“If the English teachers are strong, students will be strong. If teachers are weak, the students will be weak.”
Wong reiterated that Sarawak must work with the world’s best universities to craft an education system that will be recognised as world-class.
“With their expertise and our determination, our own system will be respected globally.
“Our children will be able to walk anywhere in the world and be treated as top-class elites, rising leaders, innovators, and thinkers across every field,” he said.
He added that the future of Sarawak rests in the minds of its children.
“The greatest treasure of Sarawak is the mind of our children. If we give them the best, they will carry us further than we have ever dreamed.
“The choice is clear: Sarawak must boldly build its own system, and Sarawak will excel,” he said.
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