Latest from Borneo Post
Borneo Post
42 minutes ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Chinese medium secondary schools receive RM10 mln annual grant from Sarawak government
Abang Johari (right) presents the RM10 million cheque to Lau. Also seen are Dr Sim (second right) and Wee. KUCHING (June 20): The Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary School Management Board (Sha Dong Zong) received an RM10 million grant from the Sarawak government today. The annual funding is for the 14 Chinese independent secondary schools in the state. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the cheque to association board members here today. Association chairman Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau Lee Ming pointed out Chinese independent secondary schools have received such grants annually since 2014, when the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem was chief minister. The initial RM3 million grant increased yearly until five years ago when the association started to receive RM10 million each year. 'Over the past decade, the total cumulative funding has reached RM92 million. This long-term commitment has significantly alleviated the financial burden on school boards and provided a stable foundation for the sustainable development of all 14 Chinese independent secondary schools across Sarawak,' he said. Lau pointed out that the schools depended very much on public donations as they do not come under the Education Ministry. He thanked Abang Johari and the Sarawak government for their steadfast support. 'The continued allocation reflects the government's strong recognition of and commitment to the multi-stream education system in Sarawak, and serves as a testament to the enduring contributions and academic achievements of the Chinese independent school sector,' he stressed. 'In Chinese tradition, it is often said: 'To govern the nation well, one must first cultivate talent; and to cultivate talent, education must come first.' The Premier reaffirmed that enhancing the quality of local education remains a central pillar in Sarawak's strategic vision to become a high-income region by 2030.' Lau noted that the recently announced '2026 Free Higher Education Scheme for Outstanding Students' will also cover Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) candidates, reinforcing the Sarawak government's policy direction of nurturing home-grown talent. In alignment with the Premier's 'Third Language Policy', he said Chinese independent schools will continue to enhance their trilingual education model of Mandarin, Malay, and English, while actively advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. Among those present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Sha Dong Zong deputy chairman Datuk Richard Wee.
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
RWMF 2025: Philippines' Kuntaw Mindanao to showcase power of Southeast Asian indigenous music (Video)
Cervantes (centre) is seen in a group photo with other Kuntaw Mindanao members. – Photo by Roystein Emmor SANTUBONG (June 20): The Philippines' ethno-rock group Kuntaw Mindanao hopes to use the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2025 stage to convey a powerful message of the richness and relevance of Southeast Asian indigenous music. Artistic director Neil Cervantes said the group's core message this year centres on the vibrancy of indigenous music and its potential to inspire change. 'For us, we want to send the message that Asian music, particularly here in Southeast Asia, and to be specific, also in the Philippines, Mindanao, we have these rich musical traditions,' he said during an interview at here today. He noted that mainstream music in the region often follows Western formulas, leaving indigenous traditions sidelined. 'That's why our thrust would be to emphasise that we have these indigenous musical traditions that are very rich and colourful; and they're alive and evolving,' he said. Kuntaw Mindanao fuses the indigenous musical instruments and melodies of Mindanao with modern rock and contemporary elements, blending tradition with innovation. 'It's not about just a preservation of culture, but it's more of how this culture develops into a force that can change people, can change communities,' Cervantes said. On the role of international performances, Cervantes said events such as RWMF influence their approach and sound. 'It gives us more ideas and it develops our sound that encompasses nations or our culture … rooted but at the same time relatable to everyone,' he explained. 'We also performed at an international festival in 2015, Sharq Taronalari in Uzbekistan. It really improves our musicality when you're exposed to other cultures, other music. It really changed the way we sound, but we remain rooted with our traditions.' The group also shared the story behind their track 'Una', which means 'first' in Tagalog. Cervantes said the song pays tribute to the indigenous peoples of Mindanao. He explained that in Mindanao, indigenous communities often develop an inferiority complex. 'In musical terms, for example, when people see the kulintang, they often don't understand it. They think it's something inferior, especially when compared to dominant modern or Western music,' he said. 'We want to emphasise that it's not inferior. If you really study kulintang music, it's very rich in musical traditions. And it's Asian, right? It has shared musical culture with other Southeast Asian nations like the gamelan.' Cervantes also believes music can act as a bridge to bring people closer. 'Though music alone cannot build peace or achieve a long and lasting peace, it can be a bridge, a tool. People will tone down and open themselves for dialogue. 'Just playing music, it really comforts the distorts and distorts the comfort,' he added. Kuntaw Mindanao is set to perform on the RWMF main stage tomorrow at 9.50pm. Formed in Tagum City, Philippines, Kuntaw Mindanao is known for blending indigenous instrumentation with contemporary genres to promote cultural identity and resistance. Their music carries themes of indigenous pride and the struggle to protect ancestral lands. 27th Rainforest World Music Festival indigenous music Kuntaw Mindanao lead
Borneo Post
2 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
New milestone for Sibu with opening of first Petros Multifuel Station
Tiang and David sign the backdrop for the new Petros Multifuel Station opening. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (June 20): Sibu's first Petros Multifuel Station was launched at Brooke Drive today. Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang officiated at the station run by Emparia Sdn Bhd. 'As many of you know, we are on a journey to make Sarawak a developed state by year 2030. That's not just a slogan, it's a real vision. And to make that happen, we need strong support from small and medium enterprises (SMEs),' he said. 'SMEs are the heart of our economy. You create jobs, keep the local economy moving, and help bring development to every corner of Sarawak including places like Sibu, Kapit, and Mukah, not just big cities like Kuching and Miri.' Delving on Petros, the Pelawan assemblyman said the new station is part of a bigger story about how Sarawak is starting to stand tall, taking charge of the state's own oil and gas resources. 'Petros, as many of you know, was set up not just to do business, but to protect our Sarawak rights. Sarawak has always had special powers under the Federal Constitution and the Malaysia Agreement 1963. 'And we are using those powers wisely for the interests and benefit of all Anak Sarawak. Thanks to the leadership of our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and Sarawak government, Sarawak now has stronger control over our oil and gas industry. That means we can decide what's best for us, make sure more value stays in the state, and more importantly – give more opportunities to our own people,' added Tiang. He said this autonomy is what allows Sarawak to build better schools and offer free tertiary education to Sarawakians next year as well as improve healthcare and infrastructure. (From sixth left) Tiang and David are seen during a photocall for the opening. – Photo by Peter Boon Emparia Sdn Bhd chief executive officer David Tiang said Petros is not just a growing international brand but a Sarawak brand created to serve Sarawakians. 'As we officially launch the Petros Multifuel Station today, we hope that when you see the Petros sign, you feel a sense of pride – knowing that this is our Sarawak brand – and you will support our business and grow this brand together,' he said. David Tiang Emparia Sdn Bhd lead Michael Tiang Petros Multifuel Station
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Putrajaya asked to exempt imported fruits, food from expanded SST
The expanded SST will cover imported fruits and food including fish, apples, cereals, and dairy products. — Photo by Viktoria Slowikowska/Pexels KUCHING (June 20): Putrajaya has been asked to exclude daily essential imported fruits and food from the expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) effective next month. In making the appeal, social activist Voon Shiak Ni said the SST rate had already increased to 8 per cent, from 6 per cent, on March 1 last year. She said the people are concerned about the implementation of the expanded SST as most essential goods will see a price hike. 'The expanded SST will cover imported fruits and food including fish as well as imported fruits like apples, cereals, and dairy products. 'Most of the goods affected are essential fruits and food for children and also the elderly, as they are essential food for their health,' she said in a statement today. Voon opined apples and cereals should not be considered luxury food items because they are essential for families, young and old alike. According to her, an apple costs more than RM3 now and the expanded SST, once implemented, will further increase the price, making apples unaffordable to most families. 'This is not something positive for the people,' she said. While Malaysians understand that the government needs to generate more revenue to reduce the budget deficit through the expanded SST, she said they hoped their well-being and welfare would be considered. This is especially so when the country's economy this year is projected to be affected by the global economic slowdown, she said. Voon appealed to the federal government to be more sensitive to the people's needs and not burden them with more taxes and further increasing the cost of living. 'Despite the argument that the implementation of expanded SST will not significantly affect the low- and middle-income groups, the reality is that the levying of any form of taxes, even targeted taxes, will affect everyone due to the domino effect in pricing,' she claimed. Set to take effect on July 1, the expanded SST will impose a 5 to 10 per cent sales tax on selected non-essential goods and broaden the service tax to include services such as rental or leasing, construction, finance, private healthcare, education, and beauty. expanded SST lead Voon Shiak Ni
Borneo Post
4 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Kuching motorist who brandished airsoft gun gets three-day remand, tests positive for drugs
The suspect is escorted by police at the Kuching Court Complex. KUCHING (June 20): A 22-year-old male motorist who was arrested after he flashed an airsoft at a traffic light intersection here yesterday has been remanded for three days until June 23. Kuching police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu revealed that preliminary investigations found the suspect, who has two prior criminal records, positive for drug abuse. 'The suspect has admitted to be involved in the case and it is also confirmed that the object held by the suspect yesterday was a fake gun. 'The case is being investigated under Section 36(1) of the Arms Act 1960 and Section 506 of the Penal Code,' Alexson said in a statement. Videos and photos of the man brandishing the airsoft gun went viral on social media yesterday. Sarawak police commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata had confirmed the suspect's arrest when contacted by The Borneo Post. Airsoft guns are replica firearms that shoot small ball bearings using compressed air or gas, rather than bullets. airsoft gun Alexson Naga Chabu lead Mancha Ata
