Since its establishment 17 years ago, Tiong, who is also the chairman of BN Backbenchers’ Club, said the kindergarten had 698 students today with an impressive teaching staff of 33.

Speaking at its graduation day, he said the pre-school built by Bintulu Cantonese Association was the contribution and commitment of the people.

“Another impressive factor is, the Chinese kindergarten has attracted children from the native communities. Impressively, the native parents believe the kindergarten can provide good education to their children.” 

On behalf of the BN Government, Tiong thanked the kindergarten for their commitment, saying the management board and the teachers had played a constructive role in nation-building.

He was happy there were 247 students being graduated this year, and these children would now move on to Primary One next year.

He hoped these students had learnt to show appreciation to their teachers, as moral value was a part of the education.

“From Day One in the kindergarten when children were crying and fearful, they have acquired knowledge and learnt to interact.

“As they leave the kindergarten today, they should turn back to say thank-you to their teachers.”

Tiong was impressed the kindergarten had organised a tour to the West Malaysia for exchange programmes with the kindergartens there.

He said the facilities of the kindergarten had improved over the years, adding teachers were actively encouraging students to take up curricular activities.

He was pleased the kindergarten had plans to build talents of the children through their activities next year.

Gracing the function, Tiong announced an allocation of RM10, 000 for the kindergarten to host more activities.