LONG before he became Deputy Education Minister, Wong Kah Woh’s mornings began at his parents’ noodle stall.
“I am not from a well-to-do or privileged family. When I was little, my parents sold noodles at a morning market. My siblings and I would go there to help out every morning before school – around 6.30am,” he recalled.
Even though his parents did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, they instilled in him a strong belief in its importance.
“They said, ‘If you want to change your life and your family’s future, the only platform is through education’,” he said.
That piece of advice has stayed with him to this day, shaping his conviction that education must remain the nation’s strongest equaliser.
Speaking at the handover ceremony of the Sekolah Angkat Madani (SAM) initiative at SK Felda Sungai Kemahal recently, Wong emphasised that the Education Ministry is committed to ensuring that every child has the space and opportunity to develop their talents.
“We know that not all of our children excel academically. There are students who have their own strengths – in the arts, in music, in sports and in co-curricular activities,” he said.
Addressing the pupils, he expressed confidence in their potential and encouraged them to listen to their teachers and parents.
“I believe that one day, some of you will go on to become part of the nation’s leadership,” he said.
The SAM initiative handover ceremony on April 16 involved two beneficiary schools in Pahang – SK Felda Sungai Kemahal and SMK Felda Kampung Sertik.
Implemented under Genting Bersama Malaysia – Genting Malaysia’s corporate social responsibility umbrella – the initiative aims to improve teaching and learning environments in participating schools.
In his speech, Resorts World Genting sales, marketing and public relations executive vice president Spencer Lee said beyond better facilities, the initiative is about making schools a more comfortable and supportive place to learn.
“At SK Felda Sungai Kemahal, various improvements have been implemented, including infrastructure upgrades, digital teaching facilities, structural enhancements, as well as upgrades to the computer and science laboratories.
“Meanwhile, at SMK Felda Kampung Sertik, our focus is on upgrading the entire school hall so that it can be fully utilised by the school community,” he said.
Also present at the event were Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman, Pahang State Education Department director Ahmad Zamri Md Isa and Bentong district education officer Hanifah Veerankutty.
