By Dayangku Hidayatul
KUCHING, Nov 5: More than 2.74 million Sarawakians have benefited from over RM2.46 billion in educational assistance provided by Yayasan Sarawak since 1971, covering scholarships, educational loans, financial aid and various education-related programmes.
Its director Datu Mohamad Junaidi Mohidin said the figures reflected the foundation’s 55-year commitment to expanding access to education and developing human capital across the State.
“For 55 years, Yayasan Sarawak has remained steadfast in its mission to empower the people of Sarawak through education and human capital development,” he said when speaking at the Yayasan Sarawak 55th Anniversary Gala Night at a hotel here last night (Nov 4).
He said the foundation’s assistance had supported students at every stage of their educational journey, from primary school children to outstanding students pursuing studies at prestigious universities overseas.
He stressed that financial constraints should not prevent deserving Sarawakians from pursuing quality education and realising their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Beyond financial assistance, Junaidi said Yayasan Sarawak had also invested in educational institutions and infrastructure to build a comprehensive education and technical training ecosystem in the State.
These efforts aimed to nurture talent at different levels, from secondary education and tertiary studies to specialised technical training.
He also highlighted the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) as a major State initiative to provide eligible Sarawakians with tuition-free higher education at designated State-owned institutions.
Junaidi described FTES as an investment in Sarawak’s future, aimed at unlocking human potential and widening opportunities regardless of socioeconomic background. — DayakDaily
