MoU gives students better access to quality English books

KUCHING: Thousands of students in Sarawak will have better access to quality brand new English books following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to extend The Asia Foundation much-beloved ‘Books for Asia’ programme to the state.

The MoU, signed between Yayasan Sarawak, The Asia Foundation and the International Institute of Public Policy and Management - a collaboration with Universiti Malaya - will see the first shipment of about 19,000 books arriving at the state on March 23.

The programme is part of the foundation’s aim to play an important role in education, deemed a crucial element to human capital development and capacity building. Since 1957, the foundation has donated over 2.5 million books to hundreds of institutions and schools throughout the country as it looked to empower students with information and knowledge.

“Through this programme, we will provide thousands of brand new books to committed teachers and individuals in Sarawak, in the spirit of working together to empower the next generation of leaders, educators, scientists, doctors, engineers, film makers and all who want to, and will benefit from not only learning and practising English but also through the journey of imagination and exploration that books can do to us,” Herizal Hazri, the country representative of The Asia Foundation - Malaysia said when speaking at the launching ceremony at the State Legislative Assembly complex here yesterday.

Also present at the programme officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem were Universiti Malaya deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International) Prof Dr Awang Bulgiba Awang Mahmud, State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Ghani and Yayasan Sarawak director Datu Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki.

‘Books for Asia’ expands opportunities for individuals, communities and nations by putting brand-new books and digital content in English and local languages into the hands of students, educators including local and national leaders in 18 countries throughout Asia.

“While The Asia Foundation will strive to bring vibrant, entertaining books which are crucial to engaging students, we hope this partnership will work towards inspiring, especially children in Sarawak, to read,” Herizal added.