In Sarawak

Dr Sim hopes China set up varsity campus

KUCHING: Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian hopes the Chinese Consulate here can help see to it that a university or two from China will set up a branch in Sarawak in future.

According to the Sarawak United People’s Party ( SUPP) president, Xiamen University, a public university in Fujian province, has set up a campus in Sepang, Selangor.

“Perhaps the Chinese Consulate in Kuching under the leadership of Consul General Cheng Guangzhong can help to see that a university from China set up its campus in Sarawak.

“This is so that young Sarawakians do not have to go all the way to China to further higher studies while mainland Chinese students can also travel to study in Sarawak,” he said when representing Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Kuching Chung Hua Middle School ( CHMS) No.1’s 60th anniversary dinner at the school here last Saturday.

Dr Sim said even though foreign students are encouraged to pursue tertiary education in China under the Belt- andRoad Initiative, it is hoped that a Chinese university can set up its campus in Sarawak for the benefit of young Sarawakians.

He admitted that he would not have been able to speak Mandarin if not for the Chung Hua schools in the state.

“Not only am I proud of CHMS No. 1 but I am also proud of its alumni contributing to the development of Sarawak.

“Hats off to the contributions of every individual who keep the school going as well for without the perseverance of these individuals, we will not see what we have today,” he said. He also thanked the Chinese community for being supportive of Chinese education in Sarawak all along.

“Without their support, I don’t think I can speak Mandarin today. I think we, the Chinese, support Chinese education not just for the sake of preserving our culture, language and education but the Chinese root.

“Besides, Chinese schools are meant not only for the Chinese community but all Sarawakians,” asserted Dr Sim.

Organiser CHMS No. 1 Alumni Association also held a simple birthday celebration for Dr Sim, who turned 53 on Saturday.

Among those present were CHMS No.1 Alumni Association chairman Lucas Yong and organising chairman Peter Ho.