Revisit Sandakan - Appreciating Educators and Teachers

I had the opportunity to revisit Sandakan on Friday, 18 July 2025. The last time my wife and I were in Sandakan was way back in December 2012, i.e. almost thirteen years ago, when we came to attend the wedding banquet of one of my female engineers (Read here). During that trip, we stayed at the Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan, which had only recently opened its doors in July of that year. Sadly, the hotel ceased operations at the end of May 2020, primarily due to a downturn in business brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Equally unfortunate, the marriage we celebrated during that trip did not last and ended in divorce a few years later.

This time, I had the pleasure of accompanying my wife to an Appreciation Dinner held in honor of Christian educators and teachers serving in the Sandakan District. The event recognized the dedication of those teaching across a wide spectrum of institutions - from kindergartens and primary schools to secondary schools, tertiary institutions (both public and private), and tuition centers. Organized by BCCM Sandakan, the dinner took place at a restaurant in Bandar Kim Fung. For convenience and comfort, we chose to stay at the nearby Livingston Hotel, which offered both comfort and accessibility.

My wife, a committee member of the Interdenominational Education Committee Sabah, was asked to step in for the Committee Chairman and represent him at the function. 

We would have loved to extend our stay and explore more of Sandakan’s well-known culinary offerings. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments on Sunday, we had to cut the trip short and flew back to Kota Kinabalu the following day, Saturday, 19 July 2025.

Welcome speech by the Organizing Committee Chairman, Voon 

Shun Chong  who is also the Chairman of the Sabah 

Theological Seminary.

Bishop of BCCM, Bishop Wong Fui Kong.

Guests at our table.
From left: Grace, Alfred (Grace's hubby), Vun Shun Chong,
Bishop Wong Fui Kong, Rev.Hendrik Linggi Allo (Archdeacon of
Anglican Sandakan), My wife, Me, Rev. Voo Yun Tung and
BCCM Sandakan Parish Council Chairman.

The new Education Secretary of BCCM Central Council, Grace (Middle), a member of BCCM Petagas. She succeeds Yap Pak Shun, a retiree who once served as the school principal of SM Lok Yuk Likas.

Sharing the same dinner table, I got to know Rev. Voo Yun Tung, the Parish Pastor of BCCM Sandakan District. He has been serving as the pastor for BCCM Sandakan (Chinese) for the last twelve years. 

Performance by teachers from the Roman Catholic Church.

My wife was especially moved by a poem recited by one of the teachers during a presentation. The heartfelt delivery left a lasting impression on many in that evening. We were delighted when the Organizing Chairman, Mr. Vun, graciously offered to get a copy of the poem from the teacher for us.

"To the Heart that Teaches"

In halls where silence once did stay,

You brought the dawn of light each day.

With every word, each smile, each part,

You shaped a mind, you touched a heart.

You saw in us what we could be,

Beyond the doubt, beyond what we see.

A spark, a gift, a silent dream,

You nurtured it like flowing stream.

You are the gardener, we the seeds,

You watered us with words and deeds.

With patience like the endless sky,

You watched us grow, you let us try.

You taught us more than ABC,

More than just math and history.

You showed us how to stand tall, 

To rise again if we should fall.

You taught us values, taught us grace,

To wear a smile upon our face.

You taught us strength, but also kindness,

To lead with heart, not just with mind.

You stayed long after bell had rung,

Correcting books, your praises sung. 

Not in applause or bright spotlight,

But in the lives, you guided right.

So thank you, from our hearts so true,

For being there, for being you.

You’re not just teachers , you’re our guide,

Our second parent, friend, and pride.

Let this small poetry humbly say, 

We love you more than words can weigh. 

And though we grow and paths may part, 

You live forever in our heart.