STRIVE FOR THE BEST: Liwan (second right), Lucas Kalang (third left) and Robert (right) congratulate Mac Aubrey.
KUCHING: Students should take a leaf from Charles Dickens’, the great 19th English’s writer, persistent and indomitable spirit to excel despite the odds, said Assistant Minister of Culture and Heritage Liwan Lagang.
“Dickens was very persistent to have his writings published, after being turn down for several times, and when it was finally published he was very motivated by the praised, as a reward, he received from the editor.
The ‘rewards’ had instilled in him steely determination, enthusiasm and spirited attitude to become one of the greatest writers of all time,” he said at the Sarawak Kenyah National Association,(PKKS) Kuching Branch, Education Excellence Awards, recently.
Liwan praised the association for taking the exemplary steps by rewarding the Kenyah’s students who excel in public examination and individuals who have contributed to the field of education and culture.
“Continue to show your leadership skills in leading the association in order to be on par with other racial associations.
Always dream to be a champion and if you have such dream, there is always a possibility that you may achieve your dream one day,” he added.
Liwan said there was no shortcut to success, stressing outstanding students not only have to dream big but also have to study hard in order to excel.
He also reminded the Kenyah youths in particular to show good discipline among them as bench mark for other community.
“In whatever activities we participate, it is always important to note that it helps to develop better discipline and it’s through discipline that shape our characters, perception and changing of mindset.
Earlier, Lucas Kalang the event organising chairman, who is also PKKS chairman, also reminded students of the community the need to emulate those who have achieved success.
“They could be your teachers or anyone, learn about their characters and how they manage to become so successful,” he stressed.
He added that in life, it would be important to have someone as your motivator, leader or aspirator.
Meanwhile in the function, Liwan who is also assemblyman for Belaga presented certificates and cash incentives to students who have excelled in public examination and special awards to individuals who have contributed the society.
The recipients were Margaret Hillary Kueh (UPSR – 5A), PMR achievers are Timothy Ethan Teng – 7A, Doreen Usun Repin – 7A,Ernabella Robin Jeli – 5A, 2B,Mac Aubrey Moris Michael – 5A, 2B and Garry Julian Johen – 5A, 2B
Special awards recipients were Mathew Ngau Jau, in the field of Kenyah Culture and Arts, Dr. (Homeopathy) Langit Bit, in the field of Kenyah traditional medicines and Dr Samuel Lihan a senior lecturer at Faculty of Research Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
In the function Liwan announced an allocation of RM10,000 from the minor rural project fund, for the association to carry out their annual activities.
Also present were Datu Robert Lian, the State Director of Immigration and Aloysius Lisu senior member of PKKS.