A TOTAL of 179 students from the Batu Kawan parliamentary constituency were honoured this evening at the Batu Kawan Parliamentary Excellent Student Award ceremony for their outstanding academic achievements during the 2023 school session.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the Batu Kawan MP, said the event aimed to inspire students to pursue sustainability and competitiveness in their future endeavours.
“Every success is built on a foundation of strong support.
“I hope you never forget the invaluable contributions of your parents, guardians, and teachers, who have played a crucial role in your accomplishments today.
“In addition to being knowledgeable, I pray that you will all grow into individuals of strong character and moral integrity.
“Remember to stay humble, as today’s success is just the beginning. There are many more challenges ahead on your path to achieving even greater success,” he said during his speech at the Iconic Hotel Penang in Bukit Tengah.
Chow noted that this was the third year the ceremony had been held.
“The Penang government is proud to present certificates of merit, excellence medals, and financial incentives to all the outstanding students here today.
“A financial incentive of RM100 is awarded to each student in the primary school category; RM150 to secondary school students from Form 1 to Form 4; RM300 to students who excelled in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination; and RM500 to top-performing students in the Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) examination,” he added.
Chow extended his heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to all the parents and guardians for their tireless efforts in raising their children and ensuring they received the best possible education for a brighter future.
“As a father, I understand that raising children is no easy task, but today proves that all your hard work has borne fruit.
“I also hope parents and guardians will continue to appreciate the vital role of teachers, who have successfully guided and educated our children to achieve these excellent results.
“Their role in educating the next generation is certainly not an easy one,” he said.
Chow further highlighted the state’s commitment to encouraging student involvement in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to cultivate an innovative and highly skilled future workforce.
“I would like to take this opportunity to encourage all parents to support their children in pursuing STEM education, not just at the tertiary level but beginning from primary and secondary school.
“We are living in an era of technological revolution, the digital age, and most recently, artificial intelligence (AI),” he added.
Also present at the ceremony were state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, who is also the Perai assemblyman; Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik; Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee; Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) councillor Rachel Teh; Batu Kawan and Padang Kota service centre director Ewe Chee Way; and Iconic Worldwide Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Tan Kean Tet.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Alissala Thian
