PADAWAN – A community initiative in Padawan brought together 49 recent SPM and STPM graduates to learn about higher education and career options through the BIPEROH Tertiary Education Admission and Career Guidance 2026 programme.
Organised by the Kuching BIPEROH Association, the event supported school leavers from eight villages in the BIPEROH area.
The programme introduced students to university pathways, scholarship opportunities, and vocational training.
Organisers also focused on building confidence by giving participants practical guidance for life after secondary school.
Sarawak Deputy Minister of Transport (Air and Road) and Mambong State Assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil stressed the value of lifelong learning during his speech.
He said education plays a key role in shaping self-esteem and creating opportunities in an increasingly competitive job market.
Learning does not stop after career success, he said, because knowledge continues to grow as times change.
The programme included motivational talks and information sessions. Associate Professor Dr Romano Ngui from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) encouraged students to stay determined while pursuing their ambitions.
Representatives from Yayasan Sarawak shared details on scholarship schemes and financial support. Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) also presented study options in a session focused on the question of what comes after SPM or STPM.
Participants also heard from Professor Dr Frank Kiong of I-CATS Kuching, who shared personal success stories and spoke about persistence.
Representatives from Centexs Santubong introduced opportunities in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and explained the rising demand for skilled workers in Sarawak’s industries.
Community leaders closed the programme with words of encouragement. Padawan Subdistrict Administrative Officer Julius Scott Sapong and BIPEROH Kuching Association President Penghulu Richard Daho highlighted the value of cooperation between government agencies, educational institutions, and local communities when supporting young people.
Initiatives like BIPEROH reflect Sarawak’s wider effort to develop talent and prepare youth for different career paths.
As the state’s economy grows and changes, programmes that provide academic guidance, vocational training, and financial support play an important role in ensuring rural communities move forward together.
Through direct engagement and practical information, the BIPEROH programme gave graduates a clearer view of their options.
The message remained simple throughout the event: education continues to serve as a strong foundation for both personal growth and community progress.
