Charity foundation boosts NGOs, schools in Sarawak with RM1 mln in aid

KUCHING (Feb 1): The Dato Tan Guek Kee and Datin Lee Siew Ling Charity Foundation has disbursed more than RM1 million to 30 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based and school organisations across Sarawak.

Among the beneficiaries were the Che Hia Khor Moral Uplifting Society Sarawak (RM5,000), CHK Moral Uplifting Society Kidney Foundation (RM5,000), Che Hui Khor Moral Uplifting Society Kuching and Samarahan Divisions (RM5,000), Pertubuhan Meninggikan Akhlak Che Hui Khor Tabung Pembinaan (RM 100,000), The Salvation Army (RM5,000), Sarawak Heart Foundation (RM100,000), Kuching Autistic Association (RM10,000) and Sarawak Hun Nam Siang Tng (RM8,000).

Other recipients included the Federation of Chinese Associations Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Division Sarawak (RM10,000), Breakthrough Network Centre Bhd (RM5,000), Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (RM20,000), Kuching Life Care Society (RM20,000), Taiwan Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation (RM5,000), National Cancer Society of Malaysia (RM30,000), Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (RM15,000), Sarawak Society for the Deaf (RM5,000), Sarawak Society for the Blind (RM5,000), Persatuan Orang Kurang Upaya Kuching (House Of Joy) (RM10,000) and Persatuan Kebajikan Mawar Kuching (RM15,000).

Also receiving donations were the Kuching Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RM10,000), Pertubuhan Kebajikan Amal Shan Xin Malaysia (RM5,000), Federation of Kuching Division Community Associations, Sarawak (RM5,000), Sarawak Chawan Association (RM15,000), Persatuan Chiang Chuan, Kuching (RM5,000), Lions Nursing Home Kuching Welfare Fund (RM10,000), Management Committee of Siniawan Swee Guk Kung Temple (RM100,000) and Kuching Love Book Association (RM5,000).

School organisations that benefitted included the Association of Boards of Management of Aided Chinese Primary Schools Kuching, Samarahan and Serian Divisions (RM263,000), Committee of Management of Kuching Chung Hua Primary School No.1-6 (RM210,000), Chung Hua Middle School Education Foundation (RM40,000) and Board of Management of SJK Chung Hua Sg Tapang (RM50,000).

In addition, 19 students received education assistance totalling RM194,080 to support their academic pursuits and future development.

The handover ceremony was officiated by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian at a restaurant here.

Addressing the recipients, Dr Sim said the contribution went beyond financial assistance.

“It represents a meaningful investment in human capital, social well-being and the future of our society,” he said.

“The support provided today will strengthen organisations serving the vulnerable, enhance community resilience and enable young people to pursue education with greater confidence.”

He added that education remains one of the most effective instruments for social mobility and long-term development, noting that the Sarawak government continues to place strong emphasis on education as a cornerstone of the state’s progress.

Dr Sim also highlighted initiatives such as the Free Tertiary Education Scheme, which reflect Sarawak’s commitment to ensuring that eligible Sarawakian students can pursue higher education without financial barriers, regardless of background or pathway.

“These policies underscore our belief that access to education must be equitable and inclusive, and that talent should be nurtured wherever it exists.

“By investing in education today, we are laying a strong foundation for a knowledgeable, skilled and socially responsible generation that will contribute meaningfully to Sarawak’s progress in the years to come,” he said.