Caption: Shawn Tan: “Investing in education is ultimately an investment in the competitiveness, values and future of Sabah.”
KOTA KINABALU: The call by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor for greater commitment and cooperation to ensure Sabah children have access to quality education has received support from Shawn Tan, Treasurer of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah.
Shawn said initiatives such as the Tuaran District Hakka Association’s Education Fund should be encouraged and emulated by more organisations, businesses and community groups, describing education as an investment not only in the younger generation, but also in the long-term development of Sabah.
Under the leadership of President Datuk Dexter Lau, the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah emphasises the important role of the business community in supporting education and nurturing Sabah’s future generation, Shawn said.
He said businesses should look beyond their immediate commercial interests and recognise that a well-educated, capable and adaptable younger generation would ultimately contribute to the long-term strength and competitiveness of Sabah’s economy.
Shawn said the importance of education has become even more pronounced as the world grows increasingly interconnected, with young people now facing competition not only within Sabah and Malaysia, but also from across Southeast Asia and the wider world.
“Our next generation will be competing with young people from across Southeast Asia and beyond. Without a strong educational foundation, they may find it increasingly difficult to meet future demands and remain competitive,” he said.
He stressed that education should go beyond academic qualifications and equip young people with critical thinking, adaptability, communication skills and, importantly, the ability to continuously learn and adapt.
AI Makes Education and Values Even More Important
Shawn also highlighted the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), saying the next generation would inevitably rely increasingly on AI for learning, information and communication.
While AI would create tremendous opportunities, he said its rapid development also made strong educational foundations, values and cultural awareness even more important.
“Technology can provide information and answers, but it cannot replace the role of parents, teachers and society in teaching our children responsibility, empathy and the difference between right and wrong.
“Regardless of how advanced technology becomes, what is right should remain right, and what is wrong should remain wrong,” he said.
Shawn said education would also play an increasingly important role in helping children navigate the growing overlap between the real and virtual worlds.
With social media, online communities and AI-generated content becoming part of everyday life, he said young people needed the knowledge and critical judgment to distinguish reality from digital representations, misinformation and misleading content.
“Digital popularity or virtual recognition should not replace real-world relationships, responsibilities and achievements. Our children need the knowledge and maturity to navigate both worlds,” he said.
Shawn described education as one of the most practical and sustainable ways to improve the future prospects of individuals, families and communities.
“Not every child will inherit wealth or a business, but a good education can give them the ability to create opportunities for themselves.
“When we invest in one generation, the benefits can extend to their families, their children and the wider community,” he said.
He said preparing Sabah’s future generation should be a shared responsibility involving the government, parents, businesses and community organisations.
“The Sabah we will have 10, 20 or 30 years from now will depend greatly on the generation we prepare today. Investing in education is ultimately an investment in the competitiveness, values and future of Sabah,” he said.
