By DayakDaily Team
SIBU, July 3: Sarawak diploma holders now have a clearer and more accessible pathway to pursue degree-level studies, thanks to a credit transfer initiative introduced by the Sarawak government.
In a TVS news report, Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Innovation Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the initiative is timely and significant, especially with the upcoming rollout of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) starting next year.
“The aim is to provide diploma holders the opportunity to advance to degree programmes, particularly now that FTES is making higher education free. The path forward is now more defined,” he told reporters after officiating the closing ceremony of the Diploma Education Mapping and Credit Transfer Workshop at the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) today.
Dr Annuar explained that under the credit transfer scheme, eligible diploma holders can enrol directly into the second year or third semester of a degree programme, bypassing the need to start from the first year.
“This allows them to transfer credits without repeating previous studies. It eases financial burdens and motivates more diploma holders to continue their education,” he said.
He noted that many diploma holders had previously discontinued their studies due to financial constraints or the need to enter the workforce upon graduation.
“Some couldn’t afford tuition fees, while others went straight to work but still struggle to find permanent employment. With free tertiary education now available, we want as many diploma holders as possible to seize this opportunity. However, clear and accurate information must be provided to guide them,” he added.
When asked whether the scheme covers those currently working, Dr Annuar clarified that FTES is currently only applicable to full-time students.
“Diploma holders who are employed would need to resign and pursue full-time studies to be eligible. At present, part-time studies are not covered under the scheme,” he said.
He also called on institutions such as polytechnics, vocational colleges, and private colleges like TCS and KLT to actively disseminate information about the initiative to their students.
“This is the best opportunity for diploma holders looking to upskill. It’s free, and the process has been simplified. However, awareness and effective communication are key,” he stressed.
The initiative is aligned with the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development’s (MEITD) commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 — quality education — and supports Sarawak’s broader strategies in talent development and educational equity.
The workshop, held at UTS, brought together representatives from 32 diploma-offering institutions and four major universities in Sarawak: University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and i-CATS University College.
Jointly organised by MEITD and UTS, the workshop focused on course mapping and alignment for credit transfer, made possible through close collaboration between diploma institutions and participating universities.
Also present at the event was UTS vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid. — DayakDaily
