Datuk Joniston Bangkuai alongside Kota Kinabalu Rotary Club president Datuk George Taitim Tulas (right) launching the English Literacy for Rural Students Programme at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens.
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai with Kota Kinabalu Rotary Club president Datuk George Taitim Tulas (4th left – front) at the English Literacy for Rural Students Programme at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens.
KIULU : – Mastering English can empower rural youths to take on future tourism opportunities and build their path toward personal and professional growth, said Assistant Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking at the launch of the English Literacy for Rural Students programme at SMK Tun Fuad Stephens, Joniston emphasised that English proficiency is an essential skill to help rural students thrive in a fast-changing world.
He said that with community-based tourism becoming popular, rural areas like Kiulu are seeing more visitors, creating opportunities for local youth to become guides and connect personally with visitors while showcasing life in their villages.
Joniston, who chairs the Sabah Tourism Board, said Kiulu’s growing potential as a summer camp destination for international students will make English communication even more valuable for the younger generation.
“If our students are confident in English, they can lead tourism activities, interact with international visitors, and showcase their communities meaningfully,” said the Kiulu assemblyman.
Joniston also stressed that English proficiency is an important skill not just for tourism but also for building a strong foundation for future employment and career growth.
“Many companies today conduct their official work in English, whether writing emails, preparing contracts, or handling important and official documents.
“Even some government agencies like the Sabah Tourism Board use English in daily communication, especially when working with international networks,” he said.
Joniston reminded students that language skills are now commonly listed as requirements on job applications, and having a good command of English can give them an edge when competing for employment.
The English Literacy for Rural Students programme involving more than a hundred Form Four and Three students is funded by Kota Kinabalu Rotary Club (KKRC) and conducted by Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)TESL trainees and teachers.
Also present were KKRC president Datuk George Taitim Tulas and SMK Tun Fuad Strphens Senior Assistant Principal Ismail Haji Mat.
“It’s encouraging to see TESL trainees and teachers playing an active role in this programme because their contribution can make a real difference in shaping confident English speakers in our rural schools.
“I truly appreciate KKRC and UMS TESL teachers and students for this effort, and I hope more organisations will step forward to invest in programmes that build rural students’ skills and open doors for their future success,” said Joniston.
In his speech, George said KKRC will continue to support capacity building programmes as part of its community economic empowerment efforts, especially in the rural areas.
