SPEAKING to students of SMK Sacred Heart, Sibu during its ‘Annual Speech Day’ event, HCK Capital Group and SEG International Education founder chairman Tan Sri Clement Hii urged students to seize the day by dreaming big and not be overawed by the fear of failure.
He said there was no harm in setting the bar high to inspire them to achieve great things as they embark on a path towards higher education and professions of their choice.
“For those of you sitting for your SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) or STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) examinations this year, let me assure you that dreaming big is not a crime, and it is neither morally nor mentally wrong.
“You may, after that, be contemplating undertaking tertiary studies either locally or overseas, and later, going into a profession of your choice or maybe even becoming an entrepreneur like myself.
“Having big dreams just means that you have set high goals for yourself, but at the same time, you must also be realistic and holistic,” counselled Hii.
Hii stated that having self-confidence and the ability to overcome failure were key traits of successful entrepreneurs and reminded students to focus on their perceived purpose in life when having ambitious dreams.
“Most importantly, dreaming big requires us to find the meaning and purpose in life. A big dream without meaning is pointless. Meaningful dreams can be about personal growth, breaking the family cycle of poverty, as was the case for myself, self-acceptance, or proving to friends and foes that we can make it, despite the odds,” Hii advised.
In a parting note, the Sibu-born entrepreneur implored students to adopt a digital mindset and expand on their software application skills, highlighting that it was imperative for them to constantly evolve in a post-pandemic landscape.
“It’s actually the worst of time to just be standing still, whether as an entrepreneur, or even as a student,” he stated. “It’s the best time to innovate and grow.”
At the event, several awards were presented to outstanding members of the school’s community, namely the ‘Invaluable Contributions and Excellence Leadership Awards’; ‘Outstanding Character Awards’; ‘Outstanding Achievement in Co-Curricular Activities’; ‘Top Students in 2022 School Examinations Awards’; ‘Best Student Awards’ (for every subject); ‘Brave Heart Award’; ‘Icon Awards’ (covering uniform bodies, clubs and associations, sports and games, and all-rounder co-curricular and sport activities categories); ‘Excellent Student Award’; ‘Top Student Award’; and ‘Best Teacher Award’.
Other special guests at the event included Sacred Heart School board chairman Bishop Joseph Hii and its secretary Dr Gregory Hii, board member Senator Robert Lau, Sacred Heart Old Students Association president Penghulu Yong King Sung, SMK Sacred Heart parent-teacher association chairman Dr Lau Ngi Chuong, and School Alumni Association of Kuching president Nicholas Hu. – Feb 12, 2023
Main photo credit: Borneo Post
