Lee (seated centre) joins guests and students of RiamTec for a group photo while chanting the ‘OohHaa’ cheer during the REG Borneo Cultural Charity Programme.
MIRI (June 28): Sarawak’s long-standing harmony among its diverse communities can only be sustained when individuals cultivate a positive mindset and embrace values of mutual respect and understanding, said Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.
The state Transport Minister said harmony begins with the way people perceive society, understand themselves and recognise their responsibility in building a better future.
“A person’s mindset determines one’s future. Negativity only makes life miserable. Our attitude and perception influence not only personal success but also our relationships within the community,” he said.
He was speaking at the Riam Education Group (REG) Borneo Cultural Charity Programme at Riam Institute of Technology (RiamTec) yesterday.
“Whether we are rich or poor, we will all eventually leave this world. What matters is how we live and the values we leave behind,” he told the audience at the event.
Lee noted that Sarawak has earned admiration from many because people of different ethnicities and faiths celebrate one another’s festivals and live together in peace and mutual respect.
Commending the REG Borneo Cultural Charity Programme, Lee said the initiative successfully brings together education, culture and charity to nurture compassionate, socially responsible young people.
“Our diversity is not something that divides us. Instead, it is what makes Sarawak special and unique,” he said, adding that culture should be viewed not merely as a legacy of the past but as a living identity that connects communities.
Lee expressed hope that the programme would continue in the years ahead and encouraged more Sarawakians to appreciate their cultural heritage, serve their communities and reinforce the spirit of unity that has long defined the state.
Touching on Sarawak government’s commitment to youth development, he said initiatives such as free tertiary education at Sarawak-owned higher education institutions for eligible Sarawakians, the expansion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), international schools and scholarship programmes reflect the state’s commitment to nurturing future talent.
“Academic qualifications alone are not enough. The future belongs to those who possess knowledge, good values, leadership qualities, creativity and the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds,” he said.
Also present were RiamTec manager Beryl Goh Tze Chee, Riam Hill International Secondary School principal Michael Bus, acting chief executive officer of Riam Education Group Richard Liu, and Sarawak artist Noel Belulok.
