SMK Bawang Assan chosen for English proficiency initiative

SIBU: Minister of International Trade and E- Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has adopted SMK Bawang Assan under the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Research’s initiative to improve English proficiency among students in the state.

Soon Koh, who is also Second Finance Minister, also said he would adopt more schools, including those in sub-urban and rural areas, for the programme in time to come.

“This is a good initiative taken by the state government to encourage teachers and students to interact in English,” he said when addressing the district-level Teacher’s Day celebration held here Friday night.

“This is in line with the effort to raise the standard of English among the youths for the betterment of their future, especially in job hunting, job assignment, meeting clients particularly overseas clients, and for research and e- commerce.”

Soon Koh also advised students to avoid using abbreviations while texting or when on social media, as this habit would not help them in writing proper English.

Touching on this year’s Teacher’s Day celebration, he said ‘ Guru Pembina Negara Bangsa’ ( Teachers – Builders of Nation) is an appropriate theme as it emphasises the important role played by teachers in nationbuilding.

He said as Malaysia is a multiracial and multi-religious country, teachers are the forerunners in moulding their students into positive, receptive, cultured and knowledgeable individuals.

“Education is a global asset. It has no boundary and especially in this era of Internet connectivity. Our chief minister has his vision of Sarawak taking advantage of this Internet superhighway to leapfrog into digital economy.”

At the function, Sibu District Education Officer Wong Chong Kung was named as the ‘ Tokoh Guru’ ( Teaching Figure). A total of 159 primary and secondary school teachers also received excellent service awards.

This is in line with the effort to raise the standard of English among the youths for the betterment of their future, especially in job hunting, job assignment, meeting clients particularly overseas clients, and for research and e-commerce. Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce

St John Ambulance members from SMK Kuching High with their trophies after winning the Cadet Home Nursing category. Also seen are Ang (fifth left), Yao (sixth left) and Phung (fourth left).

Soon Koh (left) hands over the ‘Tokoh Guru’ award to Chong Kung.

Soon Koh (left) presents the excellent service award to a teacher, as Chong Kung looks on.