By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Feb 23: The Sarawak government will not impose employment bonds on graduates from its State-owned universities.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg clarified that while scholarship recipients are typically required to serve in Sarawak upon graduation, those benefiting from the State’s free education initiative at institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus (Swinburne Sarawak), Curtin University Malaysia, and the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) will not be subjected to similar obligations.
“Scholarships come with bonds—when you receive a scholarship, you are bonded.
“But for this initiative, we want to provide education without requiring a bond because our focus is on upgrading the workforce,” he said in response to a reporter’s query on Sarawak’s free tertiary education policy, set to be implemented next year.
He made the remarks when met after attending a function in Kuching today. A recording of the doorstep interview was later made available to DayakDaily.
Elaborating further, Abang Johari said the Sarawak government will prioritise disciplines that are in demand.
“For example, if you pursue the arts, there will be a lot of unemployed graduates. So, we will just concentrate on essential fields, particularly Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“Even within the arts, areas like accounting and finance are important. Law is also crucial as it is a growing field with many new legislations,” he added.
When asked about graduates who choose to work overseas, particularly in Singapore, Abang Johari dismissed concerns that this would undermine the policy’s intent.
“Never mind, they go abroad to upgrade their skills—why not? They will return. It’s like a doctor going to Johor for experience and then coming home.
“If we lack expertise and advanced technology, they may not come back. But if they see a future here, they will choose Sarawak over other places.
“However, if we continue using outdated methods—no scanning, just knocking on teeth—that won’t work. As long as the cost remains reasonable, there will be no need to go overseas for treatment anymore,” he explained. – DayakDaily
