GETTING IT GOING: Fatimah lights a candle to launch BPIEF. From left are Dorge, Phyllis, Wong, Noriah and Serina. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi
KUCHING: The sixth edition of The Borneo Post International Education Fair (BPIEF) is being held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK).
Officially launched by Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah yesterday, the two-day event is a Borneo Post corporate social responsibility programme showcasing a myriad of education courses and training programmes under one roof. According to BPIEF chairman Dorge Rajah, there are 88 exhibitors at the fair.
“Many of the institutions taking part are among the creme of the country. They are here for one purpose, which is to show potential students their potential future.
“In recent years, we have seen increasing awareness and rising concern for the level and quality of education. It is not enough to have just SPM or STPM certificate.
“Students unsure of what they want to do should take advantage of the State Education Centre, speak with the counsellors and take the psychometric tests to know their inclination. This will help them decide on the courses to take.
“There are educational talks by professionals to help students,” he added. Many school leavers were seen making enquiries at the various booths. While some knew what courses they wanted to do, others had not decided and were looking for options.
Among those who went to the fair on its opening day was school leaver Audrey Libah who had come all the way from Serian.
“This is my first time visiting BPIEF. I heard about it from my older brother and read about it in The Borneo Post so I suggested to my father that we should attend.
“I am interested to take up either medical or accounting course. Right now I am gathering facts before making a decision to see which is the most suitable course for me,” said the former SMK Serian student.
Meanwhile, Hasmah Sauni Samat, 39, was gathering information for her daughter Nur Afifah who is still waiting for offers from university.
“We have attended other education fairs. While waiting for offers, it is good to see what else are provided by various universities and institutions of higher learning.
“We heard of BPIEF through the radio and read about it in the newspapers,” said the resident of Kampung Lintang. Visit BPIEF anytime from 10am to 6pm today. Admission is free.
Students taking part in interactive exercises at the Masterskill College booth.