The library of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Balai Ringin (Balai Ringin Secondary School) was given a new lease of life with a donation of 2,000 books by BESarawak and the organising committee of the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration.
Two years ago, an explosion destroyed the school’s library, leaving students without access to essential learning resources. While efforts to rebuild and refurbish have been ongoing, the library’s collection remains inadequate for its large student population. Today’s donation changes that—providing 1,512 students with increased access to novels, educational books, and activity guides set to support their academic and personal growth.
The book donation was part of the Books Build Legacy programme, an initiative by BESarawak. Celebration co-organisers, the Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the Kadazandusun Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) adopted Books Build Legacy to amplify the event’s impact.
The Hon. Datuk Snowdan Lawan, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak and Member of Parliament N30:“Education is incredibly powerful in transforming lives. Even in the digital age, books are essential for helping young people succeed in school and beyond. The Balai Ringin community is extremely grateful for the generosity and kindness of DCCI, KCCI, BESarawak, and those who participated in this effort. Thank you for coming together for this community.”
Dato Allan Keripin Nangkai, President of DCCI: “Our initial goal was 1,000 books, but in just two days, we achieved double that, reaching 2,000 books. The overwhelming response from the local community and event participants shows how united we are when we share a common purpose. DCCI will continue championing socio-economic progress for the Dayak communities through business events and other available opportunities.”
Amelia Roziman, CEO of BESarawak: “The impact of business events goes beyond the events themselves; it lies in the relationships we build. The success of Books Build Legacy at the 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan 2024 Celebration demonstrates the strength of those relationships when we leverage them for a good cause, showing how powerful and meaningful our collective efforts can be.”
The 15th Joint DCCI-KCCI Gawai-Kaamatan Celebration not only served as a platform for cultural unity between Sarawak and Sabah but also demonstrated the organisers’ passion for uplifting indigenous communities.
