Tiong Hew King: Chinese Independent schools have been waiting for funding and recognition of certificate in vain, no amount of awards to compensate the hardship in the past

Sin Chew Daily, 16 Aug 2016

(Sarawak, Sibu, 15 Aug) Tan Sri Tiong Hew King, chairman of Catholic High School board in Sibu, said as an independent school, the school should not forget its initial objective. Do not forget about how Chinese independent schools waiting for assistance from the government and recognition of Unified Examination in vain for more than 50 years.

“Since the independence of the country, without any records, the Malaysian Chinese have invested not less than RM100 millions in education. This is the tradition and contribution of Chinese in education for the dignity of the community.”

Why can’t the federal government deliver when Sarawak has done so?

Tiong pointed out that on the education path, no amount of awards can compensate the hardship and difficulties faced when defending Chinese education. We need the government to be more practical and concrete in terms of help with a fair policy. Sarawak state government can deliver, why can’t the federal government? We see the impact, value and quality of education. Education has helped the country to groom talents and not to resort to adopting reverse orders due to minor discrepancies in education.

Catholic High School in Sibu receives five-star award

Tiong, in an event held at the air-conditioned stadium of Catholic High School for receiving a five-star award from Ministry of Education and distributing incentive funds, said the award is a form of encouragement and confirmation for the school. We are thankful to the ministry’s professional assessment and guidance on private education. However, the journey for the school in future is still a long way to go. With the assistance and recognition received from the Sarawak state education, the Chinese independent schools in Sarawak are more confident at any time now.

Tiong claimed that many Chinese communities in West Malaysia admire the openness, accommodation, acceptance and fair treatment accorded to Chinese independent schools by Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan. With Sarawak taking the lead, it would be just a matter of time that the Chinese independent school education would be recognised by the government. This would no longer be a wishful thinking but a trend which is unable to stop. We are confident that the Chinese community in Malaysia is looking forward to the arrival of the day and it will be soon.

Thousands of cash distributed to outstanding students as incentive

“The gathering in this morning is unique and special. This is the first time that Catholic High School receiving recognition and confirmation from the Ministry of Education since it was set up more than 50 years go. The five -honour is definitely good news for the school to be happy and celebrate. But we need to cool our head to witness the significance and value for the school to have received such award.”

He said outstanding students in junior middle three and senior middle three also received the cash incentive amounting to thousands today. While a student’s most important mission is to score good results, he said there is still gap between studies and demand in working environment. Some students are unable to adjust and understand the working environment. At times they may be lost. From now on, they should start planning and making preparation.

Tiong said once students handle their studies well, they are to deliver other tasks related to studies too. For instance, the virtues of being humble, honest, kind, respect teachers, filial piety and the capability to live a tough life. Students need to have proper perspective in life and world vision. The world has changed to fast and out of norm. We can’t be looking at the world only after leaving school.

“Recently I have visited DJI in China which manufactures drones, also smartphone Xiaomi and JD.com. I am stunned by the innovation in technology, development pace and corporate vision of these world class companies. Take JD.com for example, the company has 100,000 staff. In one of their buildings there are 13,000 staff working together and the building has 280 conference rooms. Driverless car is already in the market. Robots are moving into factories to replace workers. This is the world we are facing today.”