By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 13: Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) continues to walk the talk by allocating RM200 million for the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) under Budget 2027, benefiting up to 10,600 students and reaffirming the Sarawak government’s commitment to making higher education more accessible.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Chieng Jin Ek said the continuation of FTES demonstrated Sarawak government’s determination to translate its promises into tangible benefits for the people, particularly younger Sarawakians pursuing higher education.
Chieng said the pioneering initiative, introduced in 2026, reflected Sarawak’s commitment to investing in its younger generation by reducing the financial burden on families and expanding access to tertiary education.
Under FTES, eligible Sarawakian students can pursue 64 approved undergraduate degree programmes at four Sarawak-owned higher education institutions without paying tuition fees.
He said the initiative upheld the principle that opportunities for higher education should be determined by merit, ability and aspiration rather than a student’s family financial circumstances.
“By investing in education, Sarawak is nurturing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to support its long-term economic growth,” he said in a statement today, in supporting the Sarawak Budget 2027 which was tabled by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUNS Sitting) on Monday (Oct 12).
Chieng also welcomed the inclusion of eligible Sarawakian graduates from Chinese independent secondary schools holding the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) in the scheme, subject to its academic and admission requirements.
“Chinese independent schools had contributed significantly to Sarawak’s education landscape, with their graduates forming an important part of the State’s talent pool.
“They should have the opportunity to benefit from FTES, subject to the scheme’s academic and admission requirements,” he said.
Beyond free tuition, Chieng said Budget 2027 provided further assistance to help tertiary students manage their living expenses and learning needs.
These included RM30.5 million for the Free Laptop Programme, RM50 million for student pocket money assistance, RM10 million for PTPTN loan repayment assistance and RM8 million for the Graduan Pulang Sarawak initiative.
He said the additional measures would help ease students’ financial pressures and allow them to concentrate on their studies.
Chieng also welcomed the establishment of the Sarawak Education Council, describing it as an important platform for strengthening education policy coordination and aligning education and skills development with the State’s future economic needs.
He expressed hope that the council would be inclusive and representative of diverse educational backgrounds and streams, ensuring that different perspectives and experiences were taken into account when formulating education policies.
“Education is a long-term investment in our people and the future of our state,” he said.
Chieng commended the continued implementation of FTES and encouraged eligible students and their families to take full advantage of the opportunities available.
He said sustained investment in education would empower the younger generation, strengthen Sarawak’s talent pool and support the state’s long-term development aspirations.
“GPS walks the talk by continuing to invest in education, empower our younger generation and build a stronger future for Sarawak,” he said.
