KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — A RM55 million injection, which brought the state government’s education funding to RM130 million, reflects Selangor’s commitment to shore up the younger generation’s potential, said Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari.
“As we approach 100 years … I ask Malaysians and also young people (to) become humans with confidence.
“This confidence is not unfounded or meaningless, but … must be filled with useful knowledge, must be filled with accurate information, and must be filled with the correct attitude and character,” he said at the Semarak Kasih event for Form 5 students under Yayasan Selangor, held on the sidelines of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS), at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
The event was held to celebrate 740 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) takers.
Amirudin said education shouldn’t focus on academic achievements alone, but must build character so students may contribute to national development.
According to him, the state’s serious investment in the education sector reflects its commitment to providing opportunities for the younger generation to build a better future.
He added that Yayasan Selangor must reinforce its role as the state’s leading education agency, not just through aid and sponsorships but by conducting high-impact initiatives to improve academic results and comprehensively develop student potential.
Amirudin said successful Yayasan Selangor alumni who now play important roles in the state’s development proves the institution’s effective moves in producing a general with potential and authority.
“For example, Dato’ Hasan Azhari (Idris) who is a Yayasan Selangor alumnus is now CEO of Invest Selangor,” he added.
He also said efforts to improve education require the strategic cooperation of all parties including the Selangor State Education Department, District Education Offices, schools, and other partners.
Amirudin urged the younger generation to learn from developed cities to make themselves better and more globally competitive.
“(You must) always compete with Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, or Riyadh, must always compete with other developed cities like Dubai,” he said.
Previously, Amirudin said education is important in poverty eradication efforts with initiatives including the Selangor People’s Tuition Programme (PTRS) and support for youth to further their studies.
