KTS Group has announced a total allocation of RM3 million to support Chinese independent secondary schools across Sarawak.
Of the total amount, RM2 million will be distributed as a one-month bonus for teachers from Chinese independent secondary schools statewide, while RM1 million will be channelled to the Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Management Board.
The announcement was made during a commemorative ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of the passing of Datuk Seri Dr Lau Hui Kang, held yesterday at KTS Garden.
The initiative aims to support the development of Chinese education and recognise the dedication of educators.
BLD Group director Wan Abdillah Wan Hamid symbolically presented the RM1 million donation to Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations (SFCA) president Datuk Seri Richard Wee. The presentation was witnessed by Bawang Assan assemblyman Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh.
In his speech, Wong paid tribute to the late Lau, describing him as a successful entrepreneur and respected community leader who was deeply committed to the Chinese community.
He said Lau firmly believed that the strength and unity of the Chinese community were rooted in education, cultural heritage and solidarity, and that leadership was about service rather than recognition.
Over the years, Lau provided continuous support to Chinese primary and secondary schools, particularly SM Wong Nai Siong, contributing to infrastructure development, academic facilities, teacher training and education funds.
Wong added that Lau served as chairman of the United Chinese School Committees’ Association (Dong Zong) for 12 years, during which he helped address financial challenges faced by Chinese independent schools by establishing a RM3 million education fund and allocating RM200,000 annually to independent schools nationwide beginning in 1981.
Lau also introduced a centralised administration and coordination system for Chinese independent schools, which later became a national model.
According to Wong, Lau once described his time at Dong Zong as one of the most demanding periods of his life, but said he never wavered in his commitment to Chinese education.
Meanwhile, Sarawak United Association of Private Chinese Secondary Schools Management Board chairman Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau said his late father regarded education, especially Chinese education, as a lifelong mission and believed that preserving language and education was key to preserving cultural identity.
He said his father had personally experienced the hardships faced by Chinese education and therefore dedicated significant time, energy and resources to supporting its development, viewing it as a responsibility to future generations.
