By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, May 22: Sarawak’s Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to boost local university enrolment and reduce the State’s dependence on foreign labour in strategic sectors such as renewable energy and digital technology.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, said the initiative is not only providing access to education for underprivileged students but also laying the foundation for a skilled local workforce to support Sarawak’s economic transformation.
“This policy is very noble because it helps students from low-income families to pursue higher education and potentially eliminates the need for them to take on debt after graduation,” he said when responding to a question from Tupong assemblyman Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman (GPS-PBB) during the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting here today.
Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman (GPS-PBB), explained that the FTES offers free tuition at State-owned universities and is complemented by an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students whose families earn RM1,500 or less per capita monthly.
He added that the allowance covers basic student needs such as accommodation, meals, and other essentials.
He emphasised that the RM15,000 allowance is separate from the RM1,200 Special Government Assistance (BKK), which is provided to all Sarawakian students in higher learning institutions regardless of household income.
“Certainly, with the implementation of FTES, our university enrolment will increase. This in turn will reduce our reliance on foreign workers in critical areas,” he said.
The FTES also aims to address the issue of graduates being trained in areas that do not align with market demand.
Dr Annuar stressed that the scheme focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as professional fields such as accounting and finance.
“We do not want to produce unemployed graduates simply because their field of study does not meet labour market requirements.
“This free education is targeted at disciplines that are relevant to Sarawak’s current workforce needs,” he added.
Dr Annuar concluded that FTES, along with State-owned universities, will give more students the opportunity to pursue education in areas aligned with their interests and the State’s development goals, ultimately fostering a more resilient and skilled local talent pool. — DayakDaily
