By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 24: A total of 64 designated undergraduate courses have been approved under Sarawak’s landmark Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), in a bold move aimed at aligning higher education with the State’s future economic priorities.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn announced the development today during a networking session with education stakeholders at a local hotel, reaffirming the Sarawak government’s commitment to roll out the scheme in 2026.
“The selected courses will contribute to the broader goals of our Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
“Under the visionary leadership of our Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, the Sarawak government is making significant strides in transforming our education landscape,” he said in his text speech.
The FTES will fully cover tuition fees for eligible Sarawakian students pursuing undergraduate degrees at State-owned institutions including Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University of Malaysia, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College.
In addition to fee waivers, the scheme will also provide a RM15,000 yearly stipend to students from households with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below—offering crucial financial support to those from low-income and rural families.
“I would like to take this chance to explain why the stipend targeted. We must be fair to the rakyat. To achieve justice, we must embrace the principle of equity, not merely equality. While equality gives everyone the same support, equity recognises that different individuals and communities have different needs, different treatment and starting points, and responds accordingly under government interventions.
“This ensures that we are leaving no one behind as we move forward together,” he added.
Sagah described the initiative as a strong testament to the Sarawak’s belief that education is a powerful driver of social mobility and economic prosperity.
“By removing financial barriers, we aim to empower our youth, especially those from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, to reach their full potential and contribute to Sarawak’s growth as a high-income, developed region by 2030,” he said.
He also touched on the broader educational transformation agenda, highlighting the Sarawak’s push to improve infrastructure, strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), promote STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning through Science Centres, and foster international academic collaborations.
Sagah lauded the presence and contributions of education leaders and institutions at today’s session, calling for deeper partnerships to strengthen Sarawak’s ecosystem for innovation and talent development.
“Your expertise, resources, and commitment are vital as we work together to build a brighter future for Sarawak. Let us use this session to explore how we can collectively contribute to these ambitious plans and ensure a thriving future for all Anak Sarawak,” he said.
He underscored the unique roles played by each institution—from nurturing academic excellence and advancing research, to equipping young Sarawakians with skills for tomorrow’s economy.
He concluded by encouraging open dialogue and collaboration throughout the session, saying, “Let us engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and identify ways to synergise our efforts. Together, we can empower the next generation of Anak Sarawak through education, innovation, and talent development.” — DayakDaily
