Laying strong foundations

Tomorrow’s leaders: Lim handing holding up the mock cheque with Wong at SJK(C) Sungai Way. Looking on are (back row, from left) school board of directors member Liew Ah Tee, headmistress Ng, Karen Lim, Parent-teacher Association chairman Datuk Yap Yit Leong, Chua and Year Five pupils.

PETALING JAYA: Understanding the importance of a wholesome education, LBS Bina Group Sdn Bhd continues its sponsorship of the Step Up pullout by The Star for a fifth consecutive year.

LBS managing director Tan Sri Lim Hock San said that the younger generation is seen as the country’s backbone.

“The children of today will run this country in the future, so their education is very important,” he said after handing over a mock cheque worth RM60,000 to Star Media Group Berhad group managing director and CEO Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.

The ceremony was held at SJK(C) Sungai Way, a school close to the hearts of Lim and his family.

The school is Lim’s alma mater and was attended by his siblings as well as his children.

Lim’s wife Puan Sri Karen Lim and SJK(C) Sungai Way headmistress Ng Yoke Ping were also present at the event.

Encouraged by positive feedback from teachers, Lim said that it was why LBS has been a long-standing supporter of the Step Up pullout.

Step Up is a 24-page, bilingual educational supplement, that aims to enhance the command of English among pupils.

The syllabus-based pullout is supported by the Education Ministry.

Lim hopes that children in the Chinese schools will benefit from it.

“Pupils speak Mandarin as most of their subjects are conducted in that language. Most would also know Bahasa Malaysia. But we find that they need more exposure to English.

“With Step Up, we hope to boost the habit of reading English newspapers among pupils,” he added.

English teacher S.Y. Chua said that Step Up was extremely good.

“We are encouraged to use different materials in class and the children are captivated by the content. Step Up gives them the opportunity to read English.”

Lim recalled that his father made sure that he and his siblings were proficient in Chinese.

“But you cannot neglect English because we need to communicate with the West.

“We will continue to support Step Up and urge other corporations to do the same so that more schools can benefit from it,” he said.

For enquiries on The Star’s educational packages and sponsorship programmes, contact The Star’s Customer Care Unit at 1-300-88-7827, during office hours (9am–5pm).

All packages are available through school subscription only.