Kota Kinabalu: The 2024 Kota Kinabalu Children’s Day celebration jointly organised by three regional Community Development Units (UPPM), namely Likas, Api-Api and Luyang, was held at the Sabah Hakka Association hall, last Sunday.
The event attracted more than 1,000 students, parents, teachers and guests.
Kota Kinabalu Mayor Dato’ Sri Dr Haji Sabin Samitah in his speech said children are the future leaders.
As such, City Hall (DBKK) is keen to support programmes involving children.
His speech was read by Kota Kinabalu City Hall Deputy Director (Service and Management), Faradillah Haji Abdul Rani.
He added that DBKK welcomes more community activities and hopes more non-governmental organisations and associations in the State can follow the examples set by Api-Api, Luyang and Likas Community Development leaders Oliver Majaham, Gee Tien Soong and Dr Chang Kee Ying in holding community programmes in the city.
Yee Tsai Yiew, organising chairperson and special officer to the Chief Minister, said in her speech that Sabah, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, also values children as its assets.
“Children are the pillars of society and they carry our hopes and dreams. At the same time, education is not only about providing knowledge, but more importantly, it is about cultivating children’s moral character,” added Yiew.
Yiew, who is also Pari Bersatu Sabah Api-Api Division Information Chief, stressed that the Children’s Day celebration is not just an ordinary celebration but also a deep appreciation for “our commitment to the future that is displayed on the cheerful faces and limitless potential of our children”.
She said educating children is the best investment for the future, as children are the architects of tomorrow, the future leaders who will guide our society towards greater progress and success.
A total of 14 primary schools from Kota Kinabalu took part in the event.
Among the highlights was the student’s dance and singing performances, rapid chess competition, Chinese chess competition and colouring contest.
