Feature by Ukas
Behind every aid channeled, there are lives that want to be improved, dreams that want to be realised and futures that are being built.
From a baby who has just discovered the world, a family trying to move on with their lives, children from the hinterlands pursuing their ambitions to professionals who have returned to their duties, the various initiatives of the Sarawak Government now bring their own meaning to the lives of the people.
For Premier Abang Johari Openg, the inclusive development approach implemented by the government is not just about providing aid, but opening up opportunities for every Sarawakian to build a better life regardless of background, place of residence or socio-economic status.
The story of Sylvia Jiau from Kampung Semadang, Padawan, for example, shows how attention to the well-being of the people begins at birth.
She received a Maternity Assistance (BIB) of RM450, while her son, who is now eight months old, has an initial savings of RM1,000 through the Endowment Fund Sarawak (EFS) for use when he reaches the age of 18.
Although the amount may be seen as small by some, for a family, it is the beginning of planning for the future of a child.
For Pusspa Trozen Vera Samy from Tabuan Dayak, Kuching, the benefits received came in the form of assistance for daily needs.
As a recipient of the Sarawak Basic Needs Contribution (SKAS) in the single category, she also enjoyed a 25 percent discount on her electricity bill and a RM5 reduction on her water bill every month.
Such assistance allows recipients to reduce some of their basic expenses in the face of the rising cost of living.
In Kota Samarahan, Anuar Peli, who works as a van driver and has six children, received a housing rental assistance of RM200 per month.
For a head of family who needs to ensure that the needs of his wife and six children continue to be met, the assistance can somewhat ease his monthly responsibilities.
Meanwhile, Leong Soi Mei from Sarikei received assistance of RM10,000 through the Housing Deposit Assistance and Refund Scheme (HDRAS), which helps reduce the financial burden of owning a first home.
Opening the Door to Education, Changing the Future
If welfare assistance helps ease today's lives, education is a bridge to change the lives of future generations.
For Fathyyass Lawai Tan, a Penan from Ulu Baram, the opportunity to follow the Cambridge curriculum at the Sarawak Foundation International Secondary School (YSISS) opened the way to an international-class education.
The same opportunity was also enjoyed by Melvina Nara, an Iban girl from Rumah James, Lubuk Kelampu, Betong.
The stories of these two students show that the location of residence and family background should not be a barrier for Sarawakians to obtain quality education.
At the higher education level, opportunities to build a future continue through the Sarawak Free Higher Education Scheme (FTES).
Gloria Dau Aju from Uma Belor, Belaga, is currently studying for a Bachelor of Technology Management at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), while Priska Emban Kenedy from Rumah Uri, Bebuling Atas, Spaoh, is pursuing her studies in Agrotechnology at the i-CATS University College.
Another recipient, Syaza Irwani Adriana Mohd Qushairi, is studying for a Bachelor of Computing at Curtin University Malaysia.
In Miri, Terry Lin Zhen Bin, a graduate of Pei Min Secondary School, also took advantage of FTES to begin her Bachelor of Computer Science studies at Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
They come from different backgrounds and places, but share one thing in common, which is the opportunity to go further through higher education.
This year alone, approximately 6,246 Sarawakians are following 64 study programmes under FTES, thus demonstrating efforts to expand access to higher education for the state's younger generation.
Sarawakians Return to Sowing Their Contribution
However, the journey of building Sarawak's future does not stop when the state's children successfully complete their studies.
On the contrary, the knowledge, expertise and experience gained have also become important assets for developing their own homeland.
Among those highlighted is Siti Aisyah Mohd, currently the Governance and Compliance Manager at Sarawak Petchem, who brings experience in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) sector, including the development of an agrotechnology financing programme worth RM200 million at Agrobank.
Also contributing expertise at the same company is Abang Noor Akmal Yahya Abang Rosli, Engineering and Technology Manager, who has over 25 years of experience in the petrochemical industry and chemical manufacturing in six countries.
Aldrin Glenn Roland also contributed his expertise as a Senior Rotating Equipment Engineer at Sarawak Petchem.
The story of Randu Rangen from Kampung Stabut, Padawan, also proves that Sarawakians are capable of going far in their professional fields.
He obtained a Master of Science in Environment, Politics and Society from University College London before returning to serve as legal advisor at PETROS.
In the health sector, Jacinta Lim from Limbang received a full scholarship from the Sarawak Foundation in 2016 to pursue a Master of Clinical Physiotherapy at Curtin University, Australia.
Armed with the knowledge and experience gained, she later established Rehab Concept which now operates three physiotherapy centres in Kuching and Petaling Jaya.
Their success not only reflects the potential of local talent, but also shows how investment in human capital development can produce professionals, entrepreneurs and experts who contribute back to society.
From a baby's first savings, assistance that eases the burden of families, educational opportunities for rural children to the expertise of the country's people being put to good use, each story carries the same message.
Development is not just measured by allocation figures or projects implemented, but also through opportunities that open up, burdens that can be alleviated and a future that can be changed in the lives of the people. - UKAS FEATUR
