Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew reaffirmed her commitment to supporting education initiatives for underprivileged students.
This was expressed during a courtesy visit by the Kian Kok Middle School Alumni Association delegation, led by Acting President Terrance Ting Kok Hau and accompanied by alumni Edvin Chang and Rex Chong.
They presented a token of appreciation to the Minister at her office, recognising her contributions to their scholarship programme in 2019, 2023 and 2025.
Since its inception in 2016, the Alumni Association’s Student Scholarship Programme has provided comprehensive financial support to nine disadvantaged students from the Chinese community, covering tuition fees, school materials and living expenses.
Two students have already completed their six-year secondary education, with a third set to graduate by year-end.
“Education is a fundamental right of all, especially for our children,” said Liew.
“It is not only the responsibility of alumni associations but also of every adult in our society to contribute to the education of our youth,” she added.
She said preserving local talent through strategic investment in youth education is important for Sabah’s sustainable growth and long-term development.
She noted that young people play a role in shaping the state’s economic, cultural and social future.
On community engagement, Liew pointed out the role alumni associations’ play in advancing community development across Sabah, encouraging them to embrace broader responsibilities as community partners beyond their former student status.
As Organising Chairperson of this year’s State-level Malaysia Day celebration at the Padang Merdeka, she also pointed out the importance of promoting unity through diverse cultural activities that showcase Sabah’s multicultural harmony.
“The ideas of our younger generation hold immense value and can contribute to stronger community growth and future development,” she said, calling for more youth participation in leadership roles.
The meeting included discussions on potential future collaborations in areas focusing on youth empowerment and cultural, educational and social development within the community.
