By Christine T
KUCHING, Nov 3: Two Yayasan Sarawak-sponsored medical graduates from Kapit and Tatau hope to use their qualifications to serve Sarawak after receiving financial support that let them pursue their medical degrees without adding pressure on their families.
Jasnita Kent and Nur Hafizah Auda, who graduated from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak’s (Unimas) Doctor of Medicine Programme, said the scholarship eased the financial burden of a demanding medical education and allowed them to focus on their studies.
For Nur Hafizah from Tatau, the sponsorship went beyond tuition fees and also covered transportation expenses, including flight reimbursements for her journeys between Bintulu and Kuching.
She said travelling between the two towns could be challenging, particularly as she had to travel from Tatau to Bintulu before flying to Kuching.
“Whenever I travel between Kuching and Bintulu, I have the option of claiming reimbursement for my flight tickets, such as AirAsia tickets.
“The Yayasan Sarawak scholarship is really worthwhile. It has been a tremendous help in easing my family’s financial burden,” she said.
Looking ahead, Nur Hafizah said she hoped more Sarawakian students would pursue medicine, given the State’s shortage of doctors.
Although she acknowledged that medical studies were extremely challenging, she encouraged more young Sarawakians to consider enrolling at Unimas.
Meanwhile, Jasnita said receiving the full scholarship was a valuable opportunity, particularly as applicants had to undergo an interview process before being selected.
She said her university experience had been positive, with supportive lecturers and friends helping her through the journey, while financial assistance from Yayasan Sarawak helped her overcome difficulties stemming from her family background.
“All the necessary facilities and support were provided. We were given financial assistance and accommodation, so all we had to do was focus on our studies,” she said.
Jasnita also welcomed the State government’s proposed free tertiary education initiative, saying it would encourage more students to pursue higher education and help Sarawak produce more professionals.
Their hopes of contributing to Sarawak’s healthcare workforce come as Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced plans to increase the number of medical study places reserved for Sarawakian students at Unimas from 40 to 80.
Abang Johari said Yayasan Sarawak would finance the proposed additional 40 places, following recent discussions with the university.
He described the expansion as a strategic investment in developing more local medical professionals, particularly doctors and specialists, to meet the State’s growing healthcare needs.
“We are not merely looking to increase the number of medical graduates, but to ensure Sarawak has sufficient, qualified doctors and specialists who are ready to provide services to the people throughout the State,” he said at the 30th Unimas Convocation Ceremony today.
The existing Unimas Special Medical Programme Scholarship, introduced through Yayasan Sarawak in 2017, has supported 200 Sarawakian medical graduates so far through full State sponsorship.
Under the scholarship agreement, recipients who complete their studies must serve in Sarawak for 10 years, ensuring the State’s investment in medical education benefits its healthcare system, including rural and remote communities.
A total of 41 medical graduates sponsored by Yayasan Sarawak received their degrees at today’s convocation. — DayakDaily
