By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 2: Chinese school students in Sarawak holding the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) will be eligible to pursue higher education in strategic fields at Sarawak-owned universities by 2026.
In a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg highlighted that UEC students in Sarawak will enjoy this opportunity as the Sarawak government has recognised the UEC since 2014.
“By 2026, UEC students will be eligible to enroll in Sarawak universities, focusing on important areas like satellite technology and aerospace, with education provided free of charge,” he stated.
He made these remarks during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Association of Chinese Aided Primary School Management Boards for Kuching, Samarahan, and Serian Divisions at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Tuesday (Oct 1).
Additionally, UEC holders are already eligible to apply for jobs within the Sarawak Civil Service and scholarships from Yayasan Sarawak.
Abang Johari stressed the importance of investing in education to equip the younger generation with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly advanced and competitive global economy.
“The Sarawak government’s top priority is to provide practical education with an outward-looking policy, ensuring that Sarawakians play an integral role in global economic development,” he said.
“Talent development is key to Sarawak’s development strategy. You can only build talent through practical, educational and pragmatic policies. Sarawak wants to become a global player in the new economy. We can be a global player and we need to develop our talent with that mindset,” he said.
To support this shift, Abang Johari reaffirmed Sarawak government’s commitment to partnering with Chinese schools to cultivate talent through effective and pragmatic education policies.
“It is vital for Sarawak to progress towards a modern economy with talented young Sarawakians at the forefront,” he added.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Chinese Consul-General in Kuching Song Chang Hong, Association chairman Dato Jonathan Chai and Federation of Chinese Associations of Sarawak president Dato Richard Wee were among the distinguished guests present. — DayakDaily
