By Ashley Sim and Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 8: Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has announced a groundbreaking initiative to offer Master’s scholarships in various engineering fields, beginning next year.
The initiative, which will be funded by Sarawak Petchem Sdn Bhd (PetChem), Yayasan Sarawak (Sarawak Foundation), and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), aims to enhance the expertise of Sarawakian students in specialised areas of study.
“I have requested PetChem to provide two Master’s scholarships in process engineering beginning next year,” said Abang Johari during his speech before officiating the 31st Premier Sarawak Special Award (Yayasan Sarawak) and presenting free laptops and book vouchers to institutions of higher learning (IPT) students today at the Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here.
According to the Premier, the PetChem-funded scholarships will focus on advanced studies in chemical process engineering, allowing recipients to pursue Master’s degrees at prestigious universities in the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), or other internationally recognised institutions.
In addition to the scholarships from PetChem, Abang Johari also announced that Yayasan Sarawak will offer scholarships in aerospace engineering, including avionics and satellite technology.
“We will provide two Master’s scholarships, one for aerospace engineering, and the other for satellite technology,” he noted.
Furthermore, Petros, Sarawak’s oil and gas company, will offer two scholarships in petrochemical engineering.
The Premier also stated that there are plans to expand this initiative annually.
“These scholarships come with a bond, meaning recipients must work with the sponsoring companies,” he added.
Abang Johari further emphasised the importance of these scholarships in addressing the current shortage of skilled professionals in Sarawak.
He highlighted the return of many Sarawakian graduates who are now contributing to various sectors, including transportation and the ART (Autonomous Rail Transit) system.
“Many of our graduates have returned and are working in different sectors in Sarawak, including transportation.
“However, we still need more skilled professionals. Therefore, we are encouraging these companies to offer scholarships at the Master’s level, and potentially even PhD programmes in the future,” he remarked.
The Premier also mentioned the importance of these educational opportunities, noting the State government’s commitment to supporting students at various levels.
“Firstly, we are providing free laptops to students. Secondly, free tertiary education by 2026. Thirdly, sponsored Master’s programmes, provided students work hard and strive to make Sarawak a beacon of economic success in the region,” he added.
The event was attended by various dignitaries and officials, including Abang Johari’s wife, Puan Sri Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Sarawak Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development (MEITD), Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts (MTCP), Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Sarawak Minister for Women, Childhood, and Community Wellbeing Development (KPWK), Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, Sarawak Minister for Transport (MOTS), Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, MEITD deputy minister Datuk Dr Annuar Rapa’ee, State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, Yayasan Sarawak director Mersal Abang Rosli, and Sarawak Education director Datu Dr Azhar Ahmad. — DayakDaily
