Sarawak Foundation turns 50!
The Sarawak Foundation turned 50 years on May 27, 2021 and celebrated its 50th Anniversary in Pullman, Kuching on June 7, 2022. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, celebrations were delayed.
Premier of Sarawak and Chairman of Sarawak Foundation, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Johari Tun Openg officiated the ceremony, accompanied by his wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang. In honour of the event, the Sarawak Foundation 50th Anniversary video was launched, which highlighted the foundation’s milestones in spearheading educational development in Sarawak.
Director of the Sarawak Foundation, Tuan Haji Mersal bin Abang Rosli, in his speech, said that over 1.83 million Sarawakians have benefitted from various forms of help and programmes provided by the foundation since its inception in 1971.
“The Sarawak Foundation is not just focused on the development of human capital, but more. We aim to build on six Centres of Technical Excellence in Sarawak, in Kuching, Lundu, Betong, Mukah, Dalat and Lawas. We are also planning on five more Sarawak International Schools, in Petra Jaya, Kuching/Serian, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri.”
In his speech, Tuan Haji Mersal also expressed his appreciation for former Chairman, Directors and Board Members in ensuring that the foundation’s mission and vision remain in line with the state government’s.
The Premier also inaugurated the Sarawak Foundation Hall of Fame, to recognise high achievers in their respective fields and expertise in both the public and private sectors. 50 individuals were inducted into the Hall of Fame in an effort to highlight success stories of former Sarawak Foundation students that the foundation has supported over its fifty-year history. It is his belief that the inductees will continue to inspire other Sarawakians in attaining greater heights in life and work.
The Belian tree is incorporated into the logo of Sarawak Foundation’s Hall of Fame. Also known as Borneo Ironwood in the European Union, Sarawak’s official tree represents the tenacity, resilience, patience and determination of the state government, through the Sarawak Foundation, in producing and cultivating leaders of the future.
Additionally, 31 Sarawak Foundation employees received the Special Long Service Award as a contribution of those who have served for 25 years or longer.
The Sarawak Foundation will continue to play a vital role in the development of human capital in Sarawak, in line with the state’s aspiration in becoming a developed, high-income state by 2030.
