“Giving Hope in Living by Giving Skills in Earning” On 2nd April, 2018, Officiated by Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik

Hope Methodist Vocational Centre (HMVC), Sitiawan was launched on April 2nd 2018, the Monday after Easter Sunday. 

Just as Easter is the Hope of all Christians, HMVC provides hope to youths to learn a skill, enabling them to be useful contributors to society. HMVC provides a platform for those unable to continue with their academic studies. 

Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik was filled with thanksgiving and joy in attending this launching. When he arrived; he was met by vibrant group of church members of this small community. 

In Bishop’s words of affirmation, he delivered a straight forward message about our God, who always has the wellbeing of His people at heart; He based his message on Jeremiah chapter 29 verses 7, 11 to 13.

“Exhorting God’s people where ever they are to seek peace and prosperity of the city they live.”... and in verse 11, God says,” For I know the plans I have for you, Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

HMVC is indeed that aspiration to provide living skills and a future.

That building, previously known as Methodist High School, was a school which provided second chances to many to re-enter tertiary education and to continue on to higher institutions of learning. Today the Methodist Church after much hard work by the HMVC board members and under the leadership of Col. Leong Pook Seong has established HMVC. He also gave a welcome speech. 

Bishop recalled the first meeting two years ago on January 12th 2016, when he first cast the vision and encouraged the members assembled there to establish this centre of Hope. Today that vision is realised by the grace of God.

Bishop and the board members were very encouraged to see the pioneer batch of 9 students, 5 from Persidangan Misi Sengoi Methodist, 2 from TAC (Ipoh) 1 from local CAC church and 1 Chinese boy from Sabah.

The presence of many members from the churches and the community attest to the aspiration that HMVC is to be a centre of blessing to others, a centre where God’s name is magnified and glorified. 

We thank God for the leaders from the various communities represented at the launching service that morning, 
• Bishop Dr. Ong Hwai Teik
• District Superintendent Rev. Loo Teck Swee of Ayer Tawar Chinese Methodist Church
• Methodist Sengoi Mission Superintendent, Rev. Bah Saha A/L Bah Bulu
• Methodist Council of Education, Executive Director, Mr. Khor Hong Yin
• Retired Principals; Mr. See Lee Sing and Mr. Ding Kong Leong,
• Col. Leong Pook Seong Chairman of the Board HMVC and his board members

The following are the pioneer staff & consultants;
- Acting Principal Rev. Victor Leong
- Senior Administrative Executive and Trainer – Michael Loh
- Warden and Trainer – Liew Kam Yoong
- Centre general worker – Maureen
- Special Consultant, Simon Leong from Zone Air (M) Sdn. Bhd.
- Course Trainer – Hazron from Zone Air (M) Sdn. Bhd. 

Worship was led by a group of orang Asal from East Malaysia, who are members from Wesley Methodist Church Sitiawan.

After the launch, all those present were invited to a simple lunch. The gathering at the Centre projected a vibrant atmosphere, consonant with providing Hope to many in the coming years.

Our next intake will be in 3 months time, and HMVC aims to award certificates of a vocational centre recognized by the government (upon meeting their requirement/standards of TVET course completion) in three years time.

HMVC, will come under the 3rd track of the Council of Education work which is – “Special needs Education” apart from our Private Education schools & Government aided schools tracks.

This Special needs education is especially meaningful because our targets are those in financial need, those with different academic orientation or the “marginalized”. The aim is to help them establish a stable foundation so that they can lead better lives in future.

Thus, we want to encourage all churches and individuals to participate in journeying with them by contributing towards this project or sponsoring the student’s tuition fee.

It costs about RM16,000.00 to train a student. The Sengoi students are especially in need of sponsorship. If journeying with them appeals to you, please contact the Council Executive Director Mr. Khor Hong Yin. His contact details are; e-mail: khorhongyin@mcoe.edu.my and cell no. 012-364 5310.

We look to God to bless and watch over the pioneer students. We also pray for many others who are looking to build their careers outside the stream of academics to come and seek HMVC as their hope in building their career paths.

All Glory to our Almighty God.

Written and Submitted by;
Guoh Siang Lim
Council of Education.