SIBU: Education is pivotal in narrowing the income gap between urban and rural folk, stressed Nangka assemblyman Dr Annuar Rapaee.

This was more so with the country aspiring to achieve high income status, he said when officiating at the inaugural Excellence SPM Intensive Clinic at University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) here yesterday.

“Providing infrastructure such as roads is important, but when one excels in education, this will become one of the key factors to narrow the income gap between urban and rural folk.

“When people have knowledge, they can earn a good living or secure better paying jobs to better provide for their families,” Dr Annuar said.

The 10-week clinic running from July 24 to Oct 26 is jointly organised by Sibu Bumiputera Graduates Association, UCTS and Nangka Service Centre.

Some 200 students sitting for SPM this year attended the free clinic.

Dr Annuar explained that the clinic was geared towards producing more straight-A students in SPM for Nangka constituency.

He added it was also to help more Bumiputera students get the minimum requirement of at least five credits to further their studies, especially in the technical field.

He assured the programme would be made into a yearly affair.

Turning to the students, Dr Annuar urged them to be ready to make huge sacrifices to attain good results in the SPM.

He agreed with UCTS deputy vice-chancellor (academic) Datuk Dr Sabarudin Mohd that it was difficult to find such a programme anywhere in the country, offered specifically for SPM students and free of charge.

Hence he said the students should make good use of the clinic to help them achieve good results.

“I regard SPM as a junction where those who excelled would be able to continue to further their studies. For that reason, they need to make every effort to make the grade.

“The clinic will expose them to the techniques of learning,” he continued.

On UCTS, Dr Annuar hoped that students would make it their choice of higher institution to further their studies.

He also did not wish to see students here, in particular the Bumiputeras, as mere spectators in development especially in academics.

Chairman of the association Shah Rizal Azhar also spoke at the function.