BETONG: A total of 22 students in the Bukit Saban constituency received education incentives for their excellent Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) 2024 results and continued their studies at higher education institutions (IPT).

Of the total, 13 were degree students who received RM1,500 each, six diploma students received RM1,000 each and three SPM 2024 students who obtained 8As and 9As and received RM2,000 each.

The educational incentives were personally presented by Sarawak Deputy Premier and Bukit Saban Assemblyman, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas on Monday.

This ceremony marks the second in a series after the one in Kuching involving 18 students consisting of 12 degree students and six diploma students from the constituency.

In his brief speech, Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said that this educational incentive is to help and motivate students when they enter into higher education.

He said that today's modern world is in dire need of educated and skilled people in order to improve living standards.

“Many job opportunities in the future revolve around Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Starting next year, the Sarawak Government will provide free education in several Sarawak-owned IPTs that also focus on STEM fields.

“Our children in rural areas also have the same potential as children in cities. What is needed is the commitment of schools, parents and the children themselves in multiplying their efforts,” he said.

Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah expressed support for programmes in empowering STEM beginning from the basics in primary schools to higher levels.

At the same time, he thanked the Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg who had approved the proposal to build a Yayasan Sarawak International School in Betong.

He said, with the existence of the school together with MRSM Betong, it will further complement the education sector in the area. -UKASnews