By St Joseph’s Family of Schools (SJFS)
KUCHING (26 August) — St Joseph’s Private Secondary School (SJPSS) has once again demonstrated its academic excellence and commitment to holistic education by securing its third consecutive victory at the 28th National SPM Bible Knowledge (BK) Quiz.
This year’s event, held for the first time outside the Klang Valley at SMK St Joseph in Kuching, saw 30 teams from all over Malaysia challenging for the FCMSM Challenge Trophy and the right to be called Bible Quiz Champions. The 28th edition of the quiz was particularly significant as it marked the return to face-to-face competition after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emerging from the tough challenge as champions was the team from SJPSS comprising Mark Lauren Loi Kwang Liang and Hansel Wong who not only claimed the top title but also received a prestigious 100 percent scholarship to Methodist College Kuala Lumpur. In addition to the championship title, St Joseph’s teams also secured the following positions:
• Cheryl Wong Xuan Xuan and Kimberly Ashley Lim En Er took third place,
• Elina Lau Siew Qin and Faith Sarah Lim Ern placed fifth,
• Alessandro Orlando and Kevan Sim Jian En secured sixth place,
• Genevieve Su Wei Sing and Ofelia Lau Khe Thong finished seventh.
The event was graced by the presence of Archbishop Simon Poh, who presented the prizes to the winners. The Archbishop’s participation added a significant spiritual dimension to the occasion, underscoring the importance of integrating faith and education.
The competition was officiated by YBhg Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau, Director of UNIFOR (Unit for Other Religions, Sarawak), representing YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, Deputy Premier of Sarawak.
In her opening address, Dato Georgina emphasised the importance of scripture study in equipping young people with the wisdom and discernment needed to navigate the complexities of modern life. She highlighted the value of the SPM Bible Knowledge Quiz as a platform for students to deepen their understanding of the Bible, particularly in an era marked by rapid technological advancement and the abundance of information.
Fr Stanley Goh, SJ, principal of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School and coordinator for the National Quiz in Kuching, was impressed with the high level of the competition during the quiz, showing how seriously all the competitors took the questions and the study of Scripture. He hoped that the broadening reach of the quiz, especially with it being held in East Malaysia this year, would help in spreading the word through the SPM Bible Knowledge subject.
The success of St Joseph’s Private Secondary School at the National SPM BK Quiz underscores the school’s dedication to academic excellence and the holistic development of its students, reflecting the ethos and traditions of Christian mission schools in Malaysia.