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Dr Lulie delivers her inspirational keynote during the ‘Delving into Science and Motivation’ programme at SMK Sibu Jaya.
SIBU (Jan 18): More than 150 secondary school students from SMK Sibu Jaya were inspired to reimagine their futures through science, effective study skills and language during an educational outreach programme titled ‘Delving into Science and Motivation’.
According to a statement, the programme was organised by the Malaysian Peat Society (MPS) in collaboration with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) Sarawak Chapter, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, and Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS), with strong support from the school’s leadership and teaching staff.
A key factor behind the programme’s success was the initiative and commitment shown by the SMK Sibu Jaya principal Tan Kok Aun and his teachers.
Their openness to collaboration and genuine concern for student development created an enabling environment for learning beyond the classroom, reflecting leadership that prioritises student well-being and future readiness.
The highlight of the programme was an inspirational keynote by Datu Dr Lulie Melling, FASc FMSSS, president of the Malaysian Peat Society and chairperson of the ASM Sarawak Chapter, titled ‘Lighting the Torch: My Journey as a Scientist’.
Drawing from her personal journey, Dr Lulie shared how education, discipline, character and resilience shaped her path from Sarawak to the global scientific community.
She encouraged students to view education not merely as a means to pass examinations, but as a source of empowerment that opens doors to lifelong opportunities.
“Education is your protection and your power,” she told students, urging them to invest in learning as a foundation for future choices and independence.
In her second session, ‘Study Smarter, Not Harder — Fuel Your Brain for A’s’, Dr Lulie introduced practical, evidence-based study techniques that students can apply immediately, even in resource-limited settings.
These included active recall, spaced revision and effective time management.
She also highlighted the importance of nutrition, hydration, adequate sleep and healthy daily routines, emphasising that academic success is closely linked to overall well-being and brain health.
Another key session was delivered by Dr Cassandra Lau from the School of Foundation Studies, Swinburne Sarawak, on ‘The Importance of English in Science’.
She emphasised English as the global language of science and innovation, sharing practical strategies to help students build confidence in scientific communication, particularly within the Dual Language Programme (DLP).
The programme concluded with a dialogue session involving teachers and organisers, during which challenges faced by students were discussed, including motivation, learning environments and language barriers.
Organisers stressed that schools alone cannot nurture student success, highlighting the need for stronger parental involvement to ensure that encouragement, discipline and positive learning habits are sustained beyond the classroom.
The commitment demonstrated by Tan and the SMK Sibu Jaya teaching staff was widely acknowledged as an example of how compassionate school leadership, combined with external partnerships, can make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
‘Delving into Science and Motivation’ was described as more than a one-day outreach programme, representing an investment in Sarawak’s future by empowering young people with confidence, discipline, practical skills and visions.
The organisers expressed hope that similar initiatives can be expanded across Sarawak, supported by committed school leaders, dedicated teachers and engaged parents working together to nurture the next generation of scientists, professionals and leaders.
Dr Lulie also expressed her gratitude to collaborating partners and supporters for their collective efforts in making the outreach programme a success.
