KUCHING: The establishment of international schools in Sarawak is one strategy for reaching the state’s goal of producing more world-champion students.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said world-champion students pursuing their studies at prestigious universities would be able to transform the state economy when they return.
He stated that in doing so, the state must acknowledge that English is an international language and that in order for students to obtain their current knowledge, they must possess a very strong command of the language.
“Since technology is changing so quickly, you can understand the various methodologies as well as the new skills.
“If our students want to learn about the green economy and green energy, drive an electric vehicle, and leapfrog as a developed country, they must be prepared to have a strong command of English and be accepted by the international community.
“If we have a bright student, we might want to send him or her to the United States — but, the first bargain was obviously at our local institution.
“However, we can send them abroad (to the US, UK, or Australia) for their postgraduate programme — in this case, they must have a strong command of English,” the premier pointed out.
He said this in his speech during his visit to Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School in Petra Jaya after a fun ride activity to the school this morning.
He went on to say that based on his recent experience returning from Korea, the nation has advanced due to the adoption of the international syllabus.
“I went to a company called Samsung Biologics, and they produce medicine capsules for international trade while using raw materials from a country of origin like us, in Borneo.
“Considering this shift, my colleagues and I have decided to begin with five international schools in Sarawak,” he said.
He claimed that under his leadership, the Sarawak government was placing a strong priority on education.
“Now that you have a path to pursue your education — continue to transform Sarawak to be a developed nation, just like Korea did,” he said.
Meanwhile, touching on the first Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School in Petra Jaya, the premier announced that the state government would construct another residential block so that the school could become fully residential.
“When I discover that only about 70 to 80 of them are residential and the rest are day school, we are going to build another block for these students.
“This will be an avenue for parents who cannot afford to send their children to an international school.
“So long as they meet the requirements, they are welcome to bring their kids to this school and let them study here. This is necessary to uphold the school’s standards,” he explained.
Additionally, Abang Johari said Sarawak would have five international schools, one in Kuching, one in Serian, one in Bintulu, one in Sibu, and one in Miri.
“And, I hope the product of this school will be intelligent, regimented and disciplined Sarawakians,” he said.
