By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 19: Sarawak will not impose employment bonds on recipients of its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), allowing graduates to work anywhere in the world with “no strings attached”, says Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD), Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn.
He explained that the State wanted graduates to have the freedom to choose their career paths, while hoping their achievements overseas would bring recognition to Sarawak’s higher education institutions.
“If overseas can accept it, it means our institutions are good as well as of the same standard as theirs,” he told reporters during a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) complex today.
Roland, who also serves as Tarat assemblyman, said the State government hoped FTES recipients would bring back valuable work experience from overseas, although they were free to pursue employment elsewhere after graduating.
He expressed hope that Sarawak’s economy would have grown by then, enabling the State to offer better salaries and attract more skilled workers back.
He also pointed out that having Sarawakian graduates working overseas could benefit the State by demonstrating the availability of skilled human capital to potential foreign investors.
“If they hear we have the human capital who can help develop their industries, they will come here,” he said.
He maintained that graduates who established successful careers abroad would also reflect positively on Sarawak, even if they chose not to return. — DayakDaily
