Latest news with #ICSS
Borneo Post
04-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
DBP, Chinese school board host festival in Kuching to bridge communities through language
Azizul (second left) presents a copy of the book 'Evolusi Parlimen' to Lau during the press conference, as others look on. SIBU (July 4): The 2025 Language and Literature Festival, jointly organised by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch and The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board, will be held from July 7 to 9 at Balai Budaya, DBP Sarawak Branch in Kuching. More than just a celebration of language, the festival serves as a strategic platform to foster national cohesion by enhancing Bahasa Melayu proficiency among non-Malay students, particularly those from Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) and Chinese national-type Primary Schools (SJKC) in the Kuching and Samarahan zones. The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau highlighted the important role of ICSS in shaping well-rounded, multilingual citizens through its trilingual education model in Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, and English. 'As the national language, Bahasa Melayu connects our students to the broader Malaysian society. It breaks down language barriers, strengthens mutual understanding, and prepares them to thrive in a multilingual and multicultural environment,' he told a press conference at Wisma Huawen Do Zhong here yesterday. Lau pointed out that while ICSS continues to nurture students in their mother tongue, equal emphasis is placed on improving their proficiency in Bahasa Melayu and English—both crucial languages for higher education, professional development, and interethnic engagement. 'Fluency in Bahasa Melayu helps students interact smoothly beyond the classroom, opening doors to broader social networks and deepening understanding among communities,' he said. 'It also nurtures open-minded, globally aware individuals who are respectful of cultural diversity.' Lau noted that the association has worked closely with DBP Sarawak over the years to implement various national language programmes, including the annual Student Forum Competition, which aims at improving students' command of standard Bahasa Melayu and building their communication skills in practical, engaging ways. Echoing this vision, DBP Sarawak director Dr Azizul Ismail said the festival reflects the institute's commitment to fostering unity through language and literature, particularly among the young generation of diverse backgrounds. 'The festival is part of our annual efforts to cultivate a sense of national identity and unity in Sarawak's multiracial society. 'We want to provide a platform for non-Malay students to appreciate and embrace the beauty of Bahasa Melayu in an inclusive and encouraging environment,' he said. Azizul added that the initiative is aligned with the national unity framework 'Unity in Diversity' under the Malaysia Madani vision, which aims to instil shared values while respecting cultural plurality. 'Through this festival, we hope to nurture students who are not only proficient in the national language but also confident, articulate, and able to think critically and express themselves meaningfully in Bahasa Melayu.' The three-day festival will feature a range of activities, including literary appreciation sessions, language workshops, interschool competitions, and cultural performances, aimed at improving students' language skills and fostering national pride, empathy, and leadership values. The event is not limited to linguistic development, but also seeks to build lasting bonds across communities, starting from the classroom and reaching into society at large.
The Spinoff
25-06-2025
- Politics
- The Spinoff
The one simple trick to social cohesion? Trust your neighbours more than your MP
At a gathering of global religious, political and cultural experts in Singapore this week, one action has been cited over and over as a key to social harmony. At the International Conference on Cohesive Societies (ICSS), more than 1,000 delegates from around the world have listened to former politicians, academics and digital entrepreneurs speak about the increasing polarisation around the world and what it will take for societies to flourish in a new reality. And the message that keeps coming back around, whether in talks about combatting online extremism, increasing social cohesion or embracing multiculturalism, is almost laughably simple: talk to your neighbours. In April, the Helen Clark Foundation released its commissioned report on social cohesion in New Zealand, which painted a bleak picture of the country as one filled with uncertainty, resentment and dissatisfaction. The worrying headline that emerged in local reporting on it was that New Zealanders were 'less happy than their Australian mates, have a lower sense of worth, and are less satisfied with their finances'. 'On every dimension, New Zealand is falling behind,' said co-author Shamubeel Eaqub at the time, pointing to levels of happiness and financial satisfaction. But there was one area where New Zealanders scored significantly higher than Australians. 'More New Zealanders believe government can be trusted to do the right thing (42% vs 33% in Australia),' read the report's summary. Speaking at the ICCS on the newly released 2025 Southeast Asian Social Cohesion Radar, which aims to track a similar sentiment to New Zealand's own report, Dr Farish Noor pointed out the slight decline in trust in government institutions but an increase in civic mindedness across the region. A decline in trust in the state is not inherently a cause for concern, he posited, or a suggestion of decaying social cohesion. In fact, when coupled with a rise in civic-mindedness or community engagement, it was actually a positive. 'Ultimately the state can't be a micro-manager,' he said. 'You have to trust your own neighbours and people.' Ideally there'd be an increase in both trust in the government to do the right thing and trust in our neighbours, but on its own, an increase in what's known as 'horizontal trust' is a positive thing, said Noor. In New Zealand, one's satisfaction with their financial position and trust in government appeared to have an inverse relationship with community engagement and trust. Of the respondents in the New Zealand social cohesion report, Māori and Pasifika were more likely to have had to skip meals due to finances, were more concerned with crime in their neighbourhoods and were least trusting of the government, but were also more likely to be happy, more likely to have helped out someone they didn't live with in the past four weeks, more likely to be part of a community group and more likely to view their neighbourhood as a place where a diverse range of people got along. This apparent contradiction was mirrored in the Southeast Asia social cohesion radar, which showed there was no connection between political systems (or civil liberties) and social cohesion. One very clear signifier of disenchantment in the New Zealand report, however, was age. Those aged under 30 were most likely to feel unstable financially, as well as isolated and disconnected from community. Younger people have reported higher levels of loneliness compared to older people for generations but as the first generation to grow up entirely with the internet, there are new concerns about young people's likelihood of finding real-life community later in life. A recent trend on Tiktok has been young users having their minds blown by the phrase 'the price of community is inconvenience'. The words adorn videos of neighbours moving furniture together, young women getting ready for a birthday they really can't be bothered attending, and cross-generational friendships. The moral? Sometimes being a part of something bigger than yourself means making sacrifices or compromises for the sake of maintaining community. This is the crux of the issue being tackled at the ICCS. Building horizontal trust relies on human-to-human interaction – whether it's speaking over the fence with your neighbour, dropping a friend to the airport or making small talk with the supermarket checkout operator. It depends on exposure, in mundane ways, to people different from ourselves in order to find connection and a common goal (to happily live alongside one another). So how do we do that when digital advancements are removing these opportunities at every turn? In an earlier panel, former ICANN CEO Fadi Chehade predicted that by the time there are 10 billion humans in the world, there will be 100 billion artificial agents representing them. AI 'advocates' who can negotiate on our behalf for better insurance, or work with other people's artificial agents to coordinate schedules. You potentially wouldn't have to speak to another person ever again. A representative from Google then spoke of the developments to its Gemini AI assistant tool and how there would soon be a version specifically for children under 13. There was extensive talk of the role of regulation and governments in fostering community and limiting harmful content on social media platforms in order to create resilient digital systems. No one suggested any of this would increase social cohesion, simply that they would be necessary to reduce the current growing harms. Instead, the one solution for increasing social cohesion that everyone – former politicians, economists, tech experts, dignitaries – could agree on was just to be a real-life neighbour to those around you while you still know how to. Apparently nothing breeds trust, connection and empathy like regular human exposure. As social media expert Benjamin Lee was spoke about the impenetrability of online forums and the resentment they breed, a group of women at the table next to me in the cavernous hotel ballroom started a whispered conversation. I couldn't understand what they were saying but I could certainly hear them over the top of the panel speakers. It was distracting and, if I'm honest, really annoying. I wouldn't have had to listen to them if I was watching the livestream of the event from my hotel room instead. But if I'd done that, I'd have had no idea they existed at all.
Borneo Post
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sarawak group calls for dedicated ICSS funding, UEC recognition, inclusion in national education
Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board has urged the federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools. — File photo KUCHING (June 8):The federal Finance Ministry is urged to set up a dedicated 'Independent Chinese Secondary Schools (ICSS) Education Development Grant' to serve as a regular and ongoing source of funding for these schools. This resolution was adopted by the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board during its recent annual general meeting (AGM). The association said this grant should be available to all ICSS nationwide to help improve educational facilities, campus buildings and teacher training. 'This support is important to raise education quality and ensure fair distribution of resources among schools,' said the association in a statement today. Another resolution called on the Ministry of Education (MoE) to establish a regular dialogue platform involving the federal government, Sarawak govenrment and the association. This platform, the association explained, would enable ongoing discussions on policies, resources and cooperation, helping to address the needs of ICSS, support effective policy implementation and align ICSS development with national talent goals. Additionally, it urged the MoE to revise its policies to formally recognise ICSS as a vital and legitimate part of the national education system. 'The long-standing contributions of ICSS and their dedication to mother-tongue education should be affirmed, with appropriate policy support and official recognition granted,' it said. The association also called on the federal government to fully recognise Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), especially for admission to public universities, civil service recruitment and professional qualification registration. 'Full recognition of the UEC is important to ensure equal opportunities for all students, promote fairness and inclusion and support the nation's commitment to multiculturalism and diverse education pathways.' In another resolution, the association urged MPs to back efforts in Parliament to officially recognise the UEC through laws and policies, which they believe will help create a fair, inclusive and diverse education system. 'We support working closely with both ruling and opposition parties to explain the education goals of ICSS and the importance of the UEC. This is to gain understanding and support from all sides,' it explained. Furthermore, it urged political leaders, public figures and the media to speak responsibly and refrain from making statements that could inflame racial tensions, in line with safeguarding national unity and social harmony. Towards this end, it called upon the federal government to enforce laws and promote multicultural education to create a fair, inclusive and trusting environment for public discussion. The association also encouraged Putrajaya to take a more open and inclusive approach in recognising the important role of ICSS within the national education system, advocating for reforms that provide proper recognition and support to these schools. It proposed that the federal government adopt the Sarawak government's approach toward ICSS and actively engage in dialogue and cooperation with all political parties. 'Only through collaborative efforts across the political spectrum can key policies such as the recognition of the UEC, be advanced to promote educational equity and support diverse development, truly reflecting the vision of 'One Nation, Unity in Diversity',' it said. According to the association, ICSS is an important part of the country's educational and cultural diversity. It believed that formal recognition and support will help close policy gaps, promote unity, develop diverse talents and strengthen the nation's overall competitiveness. 'We remain committed to working together with the federal government, Sarawak government, all political parties and education partners to build a fair, inclusive,and high-quality national education system,' it said. Providing background on ICSS, the association noted that these schools have operated mainly through their own funding, having nurtured many bilingual or trilingual students who perform well academically and have strong moral values. It emphasised that these schools are an important part of the national education system. 'However, the federal government has not yet fully recognised UEC. Because of this, UEC qualifications are not accepted for entry into public universities or the civil service, limiting students' chances for higher education and jobs. 'This has led to a loss of talent and creates a major obstacle to fair education and building a diverse and inclusive talent pool in the country,' added the association.
Zawya
30-01-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Driving Africa's Sports Future: Meet the Partners Powering the Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS25)
The Sports Africa Investment Summit (SAIS25) is more than an event—it's a movement to unlock Africa's potential by investing in sports infrastructure for a sustainable future. This mission wouldn't be possible without the support of visionary partners committed to driving innovation, policy development, and investment in Africa's sports industry. Meet the Partners Afreximbank – A leading financial institution fostering trade and development across Africa, Afreximbank brings its expertise in funding large-scale projects, making it a key player in sports infrastructure financing. Bank of Industry (BOI) – As Nigeria's leading development finance institution, BOI plays a critical role in driving local economic growth. Through strategic financing, BOI is supporting the expansion of Nigeria's sports sector, creating opportunities for businesses and communities to thrive. International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) – A global leader in sport integrity, ICSS works across continents to promote safety, transparency, and governance in sports. Their partnership with SAIS25 reinforces the need for robust security frameworks that protect investments and ensure the long-term sustainability of Africa's sports ecosystem. UN Global Compact Network Nigeria – Championing responsible business practices, this network is instrumental in promoting sustainability within sports investments, ensuring that SAIS25 initiatives align with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. NESH Foundation – With a focus on Nigerian entrepreneurship, NESH plays a vital role in connecting sports investment with local economic empowerment, creating opportunities for homegrown businesses to thrive. Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) – As a Nigerian policy think tank, NESG drives economic transformation by shaping investment-friendly policies across multiple sectors, including sports. Their expertise in fostering collaboration between governments, private sector players, and investors positions them as a key advocate for a sustainable and profitable sports industry across Africa. Why This Matters The collective efforts of these esteemed partners underscore SAIS25's mission: to transform Africa's sports sector through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and policies that foster long-term sustainability. As SAIS25 approaches on February 17-18, 2025, in Lagos, we invite investors, policymakers, industry leaders, athletes, sports talent managers, sports merchandisers, fans and enthusiasts to join us in shaping the future of African sports. Register now at and be part of the conversation. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sport Nigeria Ltd. For sponsorships and inquiries, contact: sais@
