Kota Kinabalu: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said Chinese independent secondary schools in Sabah are unique as they adopt a dual-stream education concept.
“Compared to Chinese education in the peninsula, the schools in Sabah adopt a dual-stream education concept, focusing on both the national curriculum for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination as well as the Senior Unified Examination Certificate.
“Such concept allows students to easily adapt to future developments and build a strong foundation for their careers,” he said, at Kian Kok Middle School’s 60th jubilee at Hakka Hall, Saturday night.
In his speech read by State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew, Hajiji said as far as national unity is concerned, Chinese independent secondary schools in Sabah also demonstrate different characteristics and have successfully attracted more non-Chinese students.
“The diverse student demographic encourages cultural exchange and integration, contributing to the unity and harmony of society.
“What is noteworthy is the emphasis of Chinese independent secondary schools in Sabah on trilingual education. In addition to education in the Chinese language, emphasis is also placed on teaching English and Malay.
“This approach not only provides advantages to Chinese students in language communication but also builds a better foundation for them to adapt to society,” he said, adding that the argument by extremist politicians that Chinese Independent Schools cause division in society is unfounded.
“Through trilingual education, students are encouraged to respect and understand the diversity of cultures and races that contribute to the unity and harmony of society,” he said.
Hajiji said the State Government allocated RM23 million in financial aid to non-government schools, including Chinese independent secondary schools, in Sabah last year.
He said of this RM4,035,000 in financial aid was allocated to nine Chinese independent secondary schools, including Kian Kok, which received RM565,000.
According to Hajiji, the State Government also provides various incentives to ease the financial burden of Sabah students such as the “Biasiswa Pelajar Cemerlang Sabah”, “Biasiswa Pelajar Luar Bandar Cemerlang”, scholarships for public and private higher education institutions, as well as aid through Sabah Foundation.
“The State Government will continue to provide financial assistance to schools and incentives to help Sabah students this year.
“It demonstrates the Government’s recognition and commitment to the development of education in the State, as well as instilling confidence in schools to continue providing quality education to our children in Sabah,” he said.
