Letter to the Editor
By Zaabar Ballia
Education is often lauded as the cornerstone of societal progress and development. This maxim holds particularly true in diverse regions such as Sarawak, where numerous disciplines converge to shape the economic, social, and cultural fabric of the State.
In 2026, Sarawak will implement a bold and visionary initiative, which is to provide free education at the university level for certain fields related to the government’s new initiative under the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) to achieve prosperity, inclusivity and sustainability. These initiatives include the digital economy, the hydrogen economy, the green economy such as the use and storage of carbon capture, biomass, sustainable fuels, and carbon trading.
This step was taken in the context of Sarawak’s direction to achieve the status of a high-income State, and it was the right decision. Thus, the free tertiary education policy that prioritises professional courses, STEM-related disciplines, and STEM education is the right investment in human capital that Sarawak needs to become a high-income state.
This is our Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s primary goal. Notwithstanding criticisms regarding the significance of providing free higher education for all courses provided, I think this particular strategy satisfies Sarawak’s economic needs and preserves the State’s financial stability.
Education is the main pillar for the progress of a society. By offering free education in specialised fields, Sarawak is able to train the workforce needed in the industries set by the government. This will help meet the demands of the job market as well as advance strategic sectors that have the potential to strengthen the State’s economy. In the context of globalisation and international competition, having a workforce trained in technical and economic fields is critical. By moving education resources to these fields, Sarawak can create an innovative and competitive society.
In considering models like that of Norway, which offers free education, it becomes clear that for Sarawak to realise a similar ambitious vision, it must establish strong and dynamic economic fundamentals. The intertwining nature of education with business, legal frameworks, administration, and various other fields underscores the necessity for a holistic approach to development. An imbalance in focus on any one discipline can hinder Sarawak’s potential for progress.
However, there is a view that free higher education should be given to all courses. While it may seem fair, it carries a risk to the State’s financial balance. Sarawak, as a State that is trying to optimise its available resources, needs to ensure that investment in education provides maximum returns. Offering free education in all fields will burden the State’s financial coffers and may result in difficulties in resource management. In this context, it is wiser to specialise in areas that are directly related to economic needs.
At the heart of any successful state lies a robust education system that cultivates skilled professionals across multiple disciplines. Businesses thrive when they have access to a well-educated workforce capable of meeting industrial demands. In today’s globalised economy, companies require not only technical skills but also critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity. Therefore, it is imperative that Sarawak invests in education systems that develop these competencies. Without a strong educational foundation in business, Sarawak may struggle to attract and retain investors, limiting its economic growth potential.
Administrative competence is a crucial key component. Effective governance relies on skilled administrators who can implement policies that promote economic stability and growth. Education tailored towards public administration can empower Sarawak’s leaders to make informed decisions that balance developmental goals with sustainable practices. When public servants are well-versed in the intricacies of governance, they can create efficient processes that reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance service delivery, fostering an overall conducive environment for business and community development.
Moreover, it is essential to consider how these disciplines can work in tandem. A focus solely on enhancing business education, for instance, could lead to a workforce that lacks the legal knowledge necessary to navigate regulatory frameworks, ultimately stifling entrepreneurship. Similarly, a robust legal framework may be rendered ineffective without proper administrative support. Thus, Sarawak’s strategy must encompass a collaborative approach across all educational disciplines.
By ensuring that developments in one area support advancements in another, the State can cultivate a comprehensive ecosystem that is resilient and adaptable. In facing global economic challenges, Sarawak needs to be pragmatic. Focusing free education on certain relevant fields will guarantee increased productivity and innovation in key sectors. This will also lead to the creation of better job opportunities for the people and strengthen the State’s competitiveness at the national and international levels.
However, achieving a system of free education akin to that of Norway requires strong economic fundamentals. This entails not only adequate funding but also a diversified economy characterised by stability and growth. For Sarawak to recognise its potential, the State must stand out not just for its wealth but for its governance, transparency, and economic stability.
Take Norway as a success story—its model of governance. Norway is often regarded as one of the most prosperous countries in the world, a distinction largely attributed to its robust governance framework. The Scandinavian nation consistently ranks high on global indices of transparency, democracy, and quality of life. The key to Norway’s success is its strong institutional integrity, which has fostered trust between the government and its citizens. There is scarce news of corruption, red tape, or the favouritism that often plagues developing economies.
This success stems from a combination of factors, including a transparent political culture, conducive legal frameworks, and an engaged civil society committed to upholding ethical standards. All these are made successful through constant education and its relentless fight against corruption. The country has established rigorous legal systems and enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Sarawak, blessed with abundant natural resources and cultural heritage, has the potential to build a dynamic economy. Policymakers must focus on sustainable industrial growth, leveraging local resources while also fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The creation of jobs and economic opportunities will, in turn, reinforce the education sector by attracting students and professionals, contributing to a virtuous cycle of growth.
The pathway to successful economic development in Sarawak lies in the multi-disciplinary approach to education that encompasses business, legal, administrative, and other specific fields. Each discipline plays a vital role in promoting a thriving economy, and when they align harmoniously, the State can aspire to provide free, quality education for all. Such an ambitious goal can only be realised through strategic investments in economic fundamentals, facilitating a conducive environment for both education and industry.
Only through mutual reinforcement of disciplines can Sarawak emerge not just as a participant in the global economy but as a leader poised for sustainable success.
This is the personal opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of DayakDaily. Letters to the Editor may be lightly edited for clarity.
