Latest news with #SMKTunFuadStephens
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Rural youth urged to master English to tap tourism potential
KIULU: Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai has urged rural youth to master English, saying the skill could empower them to seize future tourism opportunities and build a path towards both personal and professional growth. He said English proficiency is essential for rural students to thrive in an increasingly fast-paced and globalised world. With community-based tourism gaining popularity, Joniston said rural areas like Kiulu are seeing more visitors, creating opportunities for local youth to serve as guides and connect with tourists while showcasing life in their villages. "If our students are confident in English, they can lead tourism activities, interact with international visitors, and showcase their communities meaningfully," he said in a statement after launching the English Literacy for Rural Students programme at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens here today. Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said Kiulu's growing potential as a summer camp destination for international students makes English communication even more valuable for the younger generation. He added that English proficiency is not only vital for tourism but also for building a strong foundation for future employment and career advancement. "Many companies today conduct their official work in English — from writing emails and preparing contracts to handling important documents. "Even some government agencies, like the Sabah Tourism Board, use English in daily communication, especially when dealing with international networks," he said. Joniston reminded students that language skills are now commonly listed as requirements in job applications and having a strong command of English can give them an edge when competing for opportunities.
Daily Express
12 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
English skills can open doors for rural youth: Joniston
Published on: Monday, June 23, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jun 23, 2025 Text Size: Joniston and others at the event. KIULU: English proficiency is crucial for rural youth to tap into tourism opportunities and build brighter futures, said Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens. Launching the English Literacy for Rural Students programme, Joniston, also Kiulu assemblyman, said English is essential for personal and career growth in a rapidly evolving world. With Kiulu's rise as a community-based tourism hub and international student camp destination, he said language skills would help students confidently lead and interact with visitors. He added that English is widely used in the workplace, including in agencies like the Sabah Tourism Board (STB), and gives jobseekers a competitive edge. Over 100 students are participating in the KKRC-funded programme delivered by UMS Tesl trainees, with Joniston expressing gratitude to all contributors for supporting rural education. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
28-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Kiulu school poised to lead edu-tourism
Joniston welcomed by students in traditional attire performing the Botumban dance. KIULU (May 28): SMK Tun Fuad Stephens here is well-positioned to take the lead in pioneering edu-tourism efforts as the area is fast becoming a popular summer camp destination, said Kiulu assemblyman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai. The Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Enviornment Minister said through such efforts students of the school could take an active role in showcasing their hometown to visitors, especially foreign students. He said the school has the potential to become the main driver of such programmes, especially since it is the only secondary school in the area. 'With Kiulu already known as a destination for summer camps involving foreign students, there is great potential to develop edu-tourism programmes that involve our local students directly in showcasing their village,' he said at the school's Kaamatan celebration on Wednesday. According to the Kiulu Tourism Association, Kiulu hosted 37 summer camp groups from United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand involving 851 students last year and first four months this year. Joniston, who also chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said one idea worth exploring is Kiulu Discovery Day concept, where schools in the area collaborate to host visiting students for immersive community-based learning experiences. Joniston said the concept aligns with ongoing efforts to position schools in Kiulu as eco-tourism schools to empower students as ambassadors of their environment and culture. The objective is to allow local students to act as guides and community ambassadors, giving visitors a first-hand experience of Kiulu's nature and rural lifestyle through hands-on activities. 'Our students can learn to become storytellers, which will help build their confidence and deepen their appreciation for their identity and culture, especially now that the school has established a tourism club,' he said. He added that senior students at SMK Tun Fuad could also mentor primary school students during these programmes, giving them early exposure to leadership and teamwork. Joniston stressed that the involvement of all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, the Education Department and tourism agencies, is essential to ensure such programmes can be fully realised and sustained. 'This initiative aligns well with our state and national tourism goals, especially as we head towards Visit Malaysia 2026. 'We should consider launching programmes that have the potential to involve schools or visitors from outside Sabah to further support our Explore Sabah campaign,' he said. Joniston also noted the strong interest in tourism among Kiulu students, as shown by the participation of over 100 students from the school in a youth tourism programme organised by the Sabah Tourism Board and the Kiulu Tourism Association earlier this year. He expressed hope that students will continue to embrace their cultural identity and view education not just as a personal journey, but as a tool to uplift their community and build a brighter future. In the event, Joniston also launched the SMK Tun Fuad Stephens welfare fund.
