KUCHING – The Sarawak State Governor, Tun Pehin Sri Dr. Haji Wan Junaidi bin Tuanku Jaafar, and his consort, Toh Puan Datuk Patinggi Hajjah Fauziah binti Mohd Sanusi, graced the prize presentation ceremony for the 2026 Tuan Yang Pertua Negeri Sarawak State Level Cup.
The event, held at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) Sarawak Branch Cultural Centre on Wednesday, 29 July, celebrated academic excellence and critical thinking among the state’s secondary school students.
The distinguished couple were received upon arrival by the Director-General of Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, YBhg. Datuk Dr. Hazami bin Jahari, and his wife, YBhg. Datin Hajah Azrina binti Hashim.
Their presence underscored the high regard in which the state holds initiatives aimed at nurturing intellectual growth and linguistic proficiency among the younger demographic.
This year’s competition served as a significant platform for young talents from across Sarawak to demonstrate their argumentation skills, critical thinking abilities, and leadership qualities.
Aligned with the broader national framework of Malaysia MADANI, the forum encouraged participants to engage with current issues in a mature and ethical manner.
The initiative reflects a concerted effort to produce a generation of leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of prudent discourse.
A total of fifty teams from various schools throughout the state participated in the preliminary rounds. After rigorous selection processes, only five finalists advanced to the final stage.
The competing institutions included SMK Kabong Betong, SMK Bintulu, SMK (A) Sheikh Haji Othman Abdul Wahab Kuching, SMK Methodist Sibu, and SMK Kubong Limbang.
The intense competition highlighted the high standard of debating and analytical skills present in Sarawak’s educational institutions.
In the end, the team from SMK Kubong Limbang emerged as the champions. Their victory secures them the right to represent Sarawak at the national level competition, scheduled to take place on 11 and 12 August 2026.
This achievement marks a significant milestone for the school and serves as an inspiration for other students aspiring to excel in public speaking and critical analysis.
The ceremony was attended by several key figures in the state’s education and cultural sectors. Representing the Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak was the Deputy Permanent Secretary, YBrs. Puan Caroline Anak Cleophas Joseph.
Also in attendance were the Director of the Sarawak State Education Department, YBrs. Encik Omar bin Mahli, accompanied by his wife Puan Evaida binti Kassim Ramli, and the Director of the DBP Sarawak Branch, YBrs. Dr. Azizul bin Haji Ismail.
The gathering further included heads of departments, community leaders, tribal representatives, lecturers, teachers, and students, creating a vibrant atmosphere of communal support for educational advancement.
In his welcoming address, Datuk Dr. Hazami bin Jahari expressed profound gratitude to the Governor and Toh Puan for honouring the event with their presence.
He noted that their attendance was deeply meaningful to Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, serving as a testament to the Governor’s continued support for efforts to strengthen the national language.
He emphasised that such backing is crucial for the success of programmes designed to shape a competent and competitive young generation through mastery of language and cultural knowledge.
Tun Pehin Sri, in his remarks, commended Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka for successfully organising the competition.
He highlighted the importance of the forum as a vital platform for participants to hone their ability to argue maturely and present thoughtful views.
By discussing current issues with full ethics and prudence, the students are developing into authoritative and critical thinkers.
The Governor’s appreciation reinforced the state’s commitment to fostering an environment where intellectual debate and linguistic excellence are valued and nurtured.
The collaboration between the Sarawak Government and Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the Malay language as a vehicle for knowledge and character building.
Events such as the State Level Cup not only celebrate academic achievement but also reinforce the values of respect, integrity, and intellectual curiosity among the youth.
As the champions prepare for the national stage, the focus remains on sustaining this momentum to ensure that Sarawak’s future leaders are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
