KUCHING: Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) St. Luke, Sri Aman emerged victorious at the Sarawak-Level Madani Youth Forum TYT Sarawak Governor Challenge Trophy 2025, held at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch, here on Monday.

The team clinched the top spot, bringing home the coveted challenge trophy, RM2,500 in cash, DBP publications, and certificates of recognition.

With this win, SMK St. Luke will represent Sarawak at the national-level competition scheduled on 11 to 12 August.

The prize presentation was officiated by Sarawak Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Fauziah Mohd Sanusi.

In addition to their team success, SMK St. Luke secured two individual awards, namely the Best Chairperson won by Kaisarruzzaman Muhammad Kamarulnizam, and Best Panelist awarded to Mohammad Suffian.

Both recipients received RM300, DBP books, and certificates.

Each received a cash prize of RM300, a DBP book and a certificate of recognition as an appreciation.

SMK Kubong, Limbang was named first runner-up, receiving RM2,000 in cash, while SMK Bintulu took third place with RM1,000, with both teams also receiving DBP publications and certificates of recognition.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said that after over three decades of being held, the competition has undoubtedly become a vital platform for identifying, guiding, and nurturing students' talents in the field of communication.

He also emphasised that youth forums such as this are not merely competitions but form an integral part of a holistic education ecosystem that supports the Sarawak Government’s efforts to produce well-rounded and competitive human capital.

“Education is a long-term investment that supports the development of Sarawak.

“This is in line with Sarawak’s aspirations as a developed, inclusive and prosperous state by 2030 as outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030,” he said.

Also present at the event were DBP Malaysia Director-General, Dr. Hazami Jahari, MEITD Permanent Secretary, Adana Jed, and Sarawak State Education Department Director, Omar Mahli. -UKASnews