LUBOK ANTU – A total of 120 students from the Batang Ai State Assembly (DUN) area have received education contributions under the Batang Ai Education Fund, reinforcing efforts to expand access to higher education for rural communities.
The cheque presentation ceremony, held at the Lubok Antu District Office, was officiated by Datuk Dr Malcolm Mussen Lamoh, Sarawak Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment. Of the recipients, 90 are pursuing Bachelor’s degrees, while 30 are enrolled in Diploma programmes.
Dr Malcolm highlighted that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to nurturing human capital in Batang Ai.
For 2025, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) allocated RM600,000 to the fund, while Dr Malcolm himself contributed an additional RM100,000 to further support educational development in the constituency.
The fund also received long-term pledges from SEB, with Batang Ai HEP Station Manager David Gunda announcing allocations of RM300,000 for 2026 and RM500,000 for 2027.
These commitments underline SEB’s sustained role in supporting education and community development in rural Sarawak.
Introduced in 2018, the Batang Ai Education Fund has grown into one of the most impactful initiatives for rural students, consistently supported by government agencies and government-linked companies.
The programme has enabled many young people from Batang Ai to pursue higher education opportunities that might otherwise have been out of reach.
Dr Malcolm emphasised that such contributions are vital in bridging the education gap between rural and urban areas, ensuring that students from remote communities have equal opportunities to succeed.
He noted that investment in education is a cornerstone of Sarawak’s long-term development strategy, particularly in building skilled and resilient human capital.
The ceremony was attended by Lubok Antu District Officer Antu Akoi Ejau, Political Secretary to the Prime Minister II Mikai Mandau, Political Secretary to the Premier of Sarawak Roseline Neging, and other distinguished guests.
Their presence reflected the collective support for the initiative and its role in shaping the future of Batang Ai’s younger generation.
The contributions are expected to ease financial burdens for students and their families, while encouraging more rural children to pursue higher education.
The fund continues to stand as a symbol of collaboration between government, industry and community in advancing education in Sarawak.
