Latest news with #AppreciationDinner
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
UTS key catalyst in Sibu's transformation, says Dr Annuar
Dr Annuar speaks during the UTS Appreciation Dinner in Sibu on Tuesday. SIBU (July 23): Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) is not just an institution of higher learning but a major driver of Sibu's urban and socioeconomic development, said Deputy State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. Speaking at the UTS Appreciation Dinner here on Tuesday, Dr Annuar said the university has come a long way since its early days as a university college with just 1,100 students, and now boasts an enrolment of over 4,000 students, with full capacity of 5,000 expected by year's end. 'When I was appointed as chairman, there were doubts and perceptions that UTS wasn't for the poor. 'That motivated us to change the narrative and improve accessibility. So, we introduced a 50 per cent bursary for all Sarawakian students, and it worked,' he said. Dr Annuar, who also chairs the UTS Board of Directors, said the initiative had a significant impact, especially in encouraging enrolment among rural and B40 students. The percentage of students from low-income families rose from just 8 per cent to nearly 40 per cent within a few years, he revealed. He expressed his hope that UTS would continue to act as a growth engine for Sibu, drawing a parallel to how Sunway has evolved into a thriving hub due to the presence of a university. 'Imagine 10,000 students living in Sibu, that's thousands renting homes, dining out, and boosting local businesses. A university can transform a town,' he said. He also disclosed ongoing efforts to attract international students and strengthen academic pathways from diploma to degree levels, noting that UTS is steadily gaining momentum to become one of the nation's top institutions. In a landmark announcement, Dr Annuar said the Sarawak government will offer free tertiary education at UTS for Sarawakian students starting next year. 'We never promised free education, but we made it happen. No other state, no matter how wealthy, is doing this. It's a historic milestone,' he said, lauding the bold vision of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Dr Annuar concluded by expressing his pride in seeing UTS grow and evolve into a major force for the future of Sarawak. 'My greatest satisfaction is witnessing UTS grow from 1,000 to 5,000 students and securing the support needed to make higher education accessible to all. This university is no longer just a campus, it's a key engine for Sarawak's future.' he said. Among those present at the event were UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid, Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, and Zone 4 Sibu Fire chief Andy Alie. Dr Annuar Rapaee lead Sibu Universiti Teknologi Sarawak UTS
Borneo Post
05-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Sibu headmasters' council leads push for digital, inclusive school leadership
Kho (left) in a photocall with other PGBM Sibu members during the appreciation dinner. SIBU (July 5): The Malaysian Headmasters Council (PGBM) Sibu branch is stepping up its role as a key driver of school leadership transformation in response to the growing demands of digitalisation and 21st-century education. PGBM Sibu chairman Kho Kiat Hee said the fast-evolving educational landscape has made it imperative for school heads to adapt not only to technological tools but also to emerging pedagogical trends. 'We are not just talking about embracing digitalisation, but rethinking how schools are managed and how teaching and learning can be enhanced through digital tools,' he said during the PGBM Sibu Appreciation Dinner here on Friday. Kho revealed that the association has already initiated capacity-building initiatives, such as workshops on artificial intelligence (AI) integration in school management, aimed at empowering headmasters with practical, tech-based solutions. 'These efforts are designed to help our school leaders navigate a complex post-pandemic education environment and lead more resilient, responsive institutions,' he added. Kho also emphasised the importance of professional collaboration among schools in Sibu, noting that PGBM Sibu is actively building peer support networks to encourage knowledge sharing and best practices. 'Through consistent dialogues and partnerships, we aim to elevate the credibility and capability of our headmasters, particularly in rural areas where resources and exposure may be limited. 'The association is also acting as a vital communication bridge between the Ministry of Education, the Sarawak Education Department and local school administrators in disseminating critical policy updates and organising benchmarking visits to expand perspectives,' he said. Touching on educational equity, Kho stressed the need for greater support for rural schools in the form of infrastructure development, professional training, and human capital investment. 'Headmasters in remote areas must be equipped not just with the tools, but also the encouragement and exposure necessary to bring meaningful change to their schools.' On post-pandemic recovery, he noted that many headmasters in Sibu have taken proactive measures, such as forming special task forces to support students left behind during the pandemic. 'These interventions are crucial in ensuring no child is left out of quality education due to circumstances beyond their control,' he added. Looking ahead, Kho said PGBM Sibu envisions becoming a strong, trusted platform that champions both professional growth and welfare of school leaders. 'Our mission over the next one to two years is clear—we want to remain a key partner in driving education reform and fostering leadership that is both innovative and compassionate,' he said. Kho also announced that 22 headmasters from Sibu will participate in the upcoming National PGBM Education Convention at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu on July 15. 'This is a milestone event, bringing together 2,685 school leaders nationwide. It's a golden opportunity to exchange ideas, build cross-state connections, and delve into global education issues,' he said. As such, Kho calls for resilience and optimism among school leaders, saying: 'Consistency and patience are key. Let's keep moving forward for the sake of our children's future.' digitalisation education Malaysian Headmasters Council PGBM schools Sibu
