KUCHING, Nov 22: Current university students entering Year 2 and 3 over the next three years will enjoy the benefits of free tertiary education in Sarawak-owned higher learning institutions when the policy takes effect in 2026.
Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee revealed that each university currently accommodates approximately 4,000 students, with an estimated 25,000 students across Sarawak expected to avail themselves of the opportunity for free education in 2026.
“The Ministry is currently engaging with the relevant stakeholders that include the five State-owned institutions of higher learning, Sarawak Financial Secretary, Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Yayasan Sarawak and Department of Education Sarawak to facilitate the policy’s smooth implementation.
“Three labs have been organised to deliberate on strategies for implementation before making representation for decision,” he informed the august House today.
This was shared by Dr Annuar in response to a query from Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh, who sought information on the definitive steps taken by the Sarawak government to ensure free education for students enrolled in State-owned universities by 2026.
Sarawak-owned learning institutions are Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University, University of Technology Sarawak, i-Cats University College and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak.
In addressing concerns about students from Sarawak-owned international schools qualifying for free tertiary education, Dr Annuar underscored that the primary objectives of establishing international schools was not only to offer quality education to rural and economically disadvantaged students, but also to serve as a pathway to Sarawak-owned universities.
“This policy represents a parallel approach, where we start with international schools and aspiring to extend free education to all Sarawak students by the year 2026,” he added. — DayakDaily
