Organsing chairman Hii Siew Liong (left) presents a memento to Wong. From first and second right are Chua and Ting respectively.
SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh praised the Chinese community here for their efforts in making Chinese education outstanding in the national education system.
Speaking at the earth-breaking ceremony of SJK(C) Nang Sang new school block costing RM2.3 million in Ulu Sungai Merah yesterday, he said the community had put priority in education development.
Wong said they not only sent their children to Chinese schools, but also pooled resources together to build the schools.
“Their efforts, sense of direction, courage and commitment must be praised. They have fought against the odds. They know they are not alone, for they are ready anytime to work together.”
He said the school had seen a surge in its student population due to the increase of the housing estates in the area.
On Chinese education here, he said it was so well established that it attracted Bumiputra students also.
Wong said efforts to develop Chinese education also received a great boost and support from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, adding this had injected confidence to such education development in Sarawak.
In his speech, school board chairman Kapitan Ting Chek Ming thanked the community for chipping in towards the building of the new block.
Ting said their building fund was still lacking and he appealed for public donation and also a financial grant from the state government through Dato Sri Wong.
He added as the student population continued to increase, the Education Department had suggested the school to open afternoon classes.
“But, we wish to reserve time in the afternoon for other activities. Therefore, we find the suggestion impractical. Therefore, we are now building another block.”
The new school block will consist of 15 classrooms, a canteen and other amenities.
After the completion, there will be a total of 24 classrooms.
Meanwhile, principal Chua Eng Chioh said there were 500 students in Nang Sang and she hoped with the new block, students in a class could be maintained at around 30.
“Currently, there are 46 students in the biggest class.”
After the earth-breaking ceremony, Wong announced a grant of RM50,000 from his ministry, with further efforts to appeal for additional grants from the state government.