KUCHING: Education is not merely about getting straight A’s but a lifelong learning experience, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said education provides students with the knowledge and opportunities to improve their quality of life and create a better world for themselves.
“With the knowledge received especially for you, students at Technology College Sarawak (TCS), you can easily elevate yourself to greater heights and motivate others with your thoughts and ideas.
“Put your knowledge at the service of society and the community and exercise your power of knowledge towards helping, improving, empowering others, and influencing positive changes,” he remarked.
This was said in his text speech read by Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability Dr Hazland Abang Hipni at 17th Technology College Sarawak Convocation Day at Raia Hotel here today.
He always believed that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow, the Premier pointed out.
“Thus, another characteristic that is crucial for you to have is leadership. It is more than just the simple fact of being elected or appointed to a higher position. Leadership is an attitude cultivated over time.
“It is a question of whether you are able to stand up for what you believe in and face the crowd. Do you have a purpose? Do you follow that purpose to get the ends you desire? Do you have a vision? Are you committed to your vision? These are all questions that true leaders answer in the affirmative. But how do you become a leader?
“Every decision you make, no matter how big or trivial, takes you one step closer to your goal. But remember, the goal is not to get power, but to get your vision and your purpose across. Leaders without visions can be likened to a blind leading the blind – you are going to wind up somewhere, but you might not arrive at the intended place,” he told.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari also stressed on community service that is an important part of education, as well as in the development of behaviour, as students get the opportunity to learn leadership skills, teamwork, and learn about the community and the world around them.
“A true community service is in the attitude. Are you doing it for the right reasons? Because at the end of the day, when it is all done, you can look back and realise that you did something worthwhile, without asking for anything in return,” he said.
