Programme credited for driving excellence among Kelabits
MIRI: The Rurum Kelabit Sarawak’s ( RKS) Annual Education Excellence Awards programme has been credited for driving excellence among younger members of the Kelabit community.
Through this programme, we have awareness of the importance of achievement and sustaining it in order to survive for the future generations of the Kelabit community, which totals only about 8,000 in the state. Datuk Gerawat Gala, State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker
State Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Datuk Gerawat Gala, who is Mulu assemblyman, said the programme was set up to inculcate the value of achieving and maintaining academic excellence among Kelabit students as well as in their subsequent careers.
“Through this programme, we have awareness of the importance of achievement and sustaining it in order to survive for the future generations of the Kelabit community, which totals only about 8,000 in the state,” he said during the 16th Annual Education Excellence Awards on Sunday.
Gerawat said RKS has exposed talented young Kelabits to various fields and they are doing well in their careers, inspiring other Kelabits pupils and students.
RKS highlighted 13 former award recipients who have succeeded in their respective fields – Renai Mattu, Bryan Marcus Raja, Gaston Agan Khoo, Agan Balangalibun, Aaron Gukang, Alena Murang, Joanna Dorai, Joshua Maran, Karen Jit Lugun, Leon Jala, Nicholas Gala Bato, Zoe Mariner, and Vanessa Lugan Lai.
Gerawat called them the next generation of achievers, who have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, participate in the workforce and be involved in their community.
“These young game- changers have all turned their passions into action, and in doing so, they can become true global leaders,” he said.
Gerawat also announced a grant of RM20,000 for the RKS awards.
Meanwhile, RKS president Dr Philip Raja said the level of excellence achieved proved the capabilities of the community even though Kelabits live in the most remote areas in Sarawak.
“If we want to progress, we must really forget the past and that means we must look towards the younger generation of today,” he said.