State govt offers free full-time higher education to S'wakians
KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced that the state government is offering free full-time higher education to Sarawakians, including those already employed but without the opportunity to pursue further studies.
Speaking at the state-level Labour Day Celebration 2025, he called on Sarawak natives to seize the opportunity to become undergraduate students and enhance their skills and knowledge of the latest technologies.
'You only need to be interested in studying to upskill. Anyone already working and holding a diploma can return to campus as a mature student.
'Learning is a lifelong process because technology is constantly evolving,' he said.
Abang Johari said this initiative aims to develop Sarawak's human capital through higher education and skills training.
In the press conference following the event, he stressed that the free education offer applies only to full-time studies and is fully supported by the state government.
'Among the conditions, applicants must be native-born Sarawakians,' he added.
Starting next year, Sarawak will fund free education for 64 selected courses at state-owned institutions, including i-CATS University College, the Sarawak Centre of Technology Excellence (CENTEXS), University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
17 hours ago
- Malay Mail
New circular agriculture plan aims to tackle Sarawak's sky-high beef costs, says Abang Johari
GEDONG, June 8 — The state government is actively developing a new approach to reduce dependency on imported cattle and feed by introducing a sustainable circular agriculture model, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. This initiative aims to address the high cost of beef in the state, which has been reported as among the most expensive in the country, reaching up to RM95 per kilogramme (kg) Abang Johari attributed the current high prices primarily to Sarawak's heavy dependence on imported cattle and feed, particularly from Australia. 'We currently import cattle, including those we rear in Australia under SEDC (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation). 'However, the export tax imposed by Australia is quite high and payments are made in Australian dollars, which drives up the cost,' he told reporters after attending the Ibadah Korban Ceremony at the Al-Kawthar Mosque here today. Abang Johari said the new strategy involves implementing feedlot farming systems instead of traditional open grazing, allowing cattle to be reared using locally-produced feed derived from agricultural waste mixed with napier grass. This, he noted, would enhance cattle health and quality, leading to better yields. 'I have been to Lubok Antu and seen the potential of using plantation waste to produce biomass. This biomass can be converted into animal feed, which means we no longer need to import feed. 'Healthy, well-fed cattle are heavier, which means more value, whereas if the cattle are thin, no one will want to buy them,' he said. He also said that trials under this model are already being conducted through various government agencies. He said by producing animal feed locally and intensifying livestock farming under controlled conditions, the government hopes to eventually increase local beef supply and bring prices down to a more affordable level. 'We have 38 palm oil mills across the state that produce palm kernel waste. This can be used as livestock feed and even to generate bio-gas and bio-feed, contributing to a full circular economy,' he added. Abang Johari emphasised that the initiative is still in its early phase, having started two years ago. He noted that upon becoming Chief Minister six years ago, this was one of the priorities he looked into, but groundwork only began about two years ago. He expressed hope that these efforts would not only make beef more affordable but also improve incomes for local farmers, especially as Sarawak remains highly dependent on Australian beef imports. 'The long-term goal is to make our agriculture sector self-sufficient, ensuring stable supply so that demand can be met and prices controlled,' he said. A national daily had earlier reported that the average price of beef in Sarawak stands at RM64 per kg, significantly higher than in other states where prices range between RM27 and RM48 per kg. In some cases, premium cuts such as fillet can fetch prices as high as RM95 per kg, making Sarawak's beef among the most expensive in the country. — The Borneo Post
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abang Johari: Sustainable farming model key to lowering Sarawak's beef prices
Abang Johari (second right) seen participating in meat cutting during the Ibadah Korban Ceremony at the Al-Kawthar Mosque in Gedong today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor GEDONG (June 8): The state government is actively developing a new approach to reduce dependency on imported cattle and feed by introducing a sustainable circular agriculture model, said Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. This initiative aims to address the high cost of beef in the state, which has been reported as among the most expensive in the country, reaching up to RM95 per kilogramme (kg) Abang Johari attributed the current high prices primarily to Sarawak's heavy dependence on imported cattle and feed, particularly from Australia. 'We currently import cattle, including those we rear in Australia under SEDC (Sarawak Economic Development Corporation). 'However, the export tax imposed by Australia is quite high and payments are made in Australian dollars, which drives up the cost,' he told reporters after attending the Ibadah Korban Ceremony at the Al-Kawthar Mosque here today. Abang Johari said the new strategy involves implementing feedlot farming systems instead of traditional open grazing, allowing cattle to be reared using locally-produced feed derived from agricultural waste mixed with napier grass. This, he noted, would enhance cattle health and quality, leading to better yields. 'I have been to Lubok Antu and seen the potential of using plantation waste to produce biomass. This biomass can be converted into animal feed, which means we no longer need to import feed. 'Healthy, well-fed cattle are heavier, which means more value, whereas if the cattle are thin, no one will want to buy them,' he said. He also said that trials under this model are already being conducted through various government agencies. He said by producing animal feed locally and intensifying livestock farming under controlled conditions, the government hopes to eventually increase local beef supply and bring prices down to a more affordable level. 'We have 38 palm oil mills across the state that produce palm kernel waste. This can be used as livestock feed and even to generate bio-gas and bio-feed, contributing to a full circular economy,' he added. Abang Johari emphasised that the initiative is still in its early phase, having started two years ago. He noted that upon becoming Chief Minister six years ago, this was one of the priorities he looked into, but groundwork only began about two years ago. He expressed hope that these efforts would not only make beef more affordable but also improve incomes for local farmers, especially as Sarawak remains highly dependent on Australian beef imports. 'The long-term goal is to make our agriculture sector self-sufficient, ensuring stable supply so that demand can be met and prices controlled,' he said. A national daily had earlier reported that the average price of beef in Sarawak stands at RM64 per kg, significantly higher than in other states where prices range between RM27 and RM48 per kg. In some cases, premium cuts such as fillet can fetch prices as high as RM95 per kg, making Sarawak's beef among the most expensive in the country. abang johari cattle circular agriculture model lead
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Petronas workforce 'right-sizing' prompts calls for fairness, support measures
File photo for illustration purposes KUCHING (June 7): Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala has urged Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) to consider all alternatives before proceeding with its plan to lay off 5,000 employees. Speaking to The Borneo Post today, the Mulu assemblyman acknowledged that while Petronas may have its own justifications, retrenchment should be the last resort for any commercial organisation. 'There are other options Petronas can consider, such as offering a voluntary separation scheme (VSS), redeploying staff between departments — for example, from upstream to downstream — implementing temporary salary cuts, or initiating retraining programmes,' he said. 'Only employees who are truly redundant or surplus to requirements should be laid off. Any staff member who feels they have been unfairly dismissed under the guise of redundancy can challenge their termination in the Industrial Court.' When asked whether the layoffs were related to Sarawak Petroleum Berhad (Petros) being recognised as the state's gas aggregator, Gerawat declined to comment. However, the Sarawak Oil and Gas Workers Association (SOGWA) said they do not believe the move is a direct result of Petros' appointment, though acknowledged it may trigger a realignment within the industry. 'This change presents an opportunity for Sarawak to assert greater control over its oil and gas sector,' said SOGWA deputy chairman Keroana Johny Weiss. 'But if Sarawakians are among those affected by the layoffs, it will significantly impact local families and communities. 'Many of these workers are highly skilled and experienced professionals who have contributed significantly to the national oil and gas industry,' she stressed. 'Their displacement not only affects livelihoods but also risks a loss of valuable talent from Sarawak.' 'We strongly urge the Sarawak government to step in and provide structured support such as job placement programmes, upskilling initiatives, and inclusion in ongoing and future state led projects,' she said. 'This is vital to safeguard Sarawak's interests, retain our professional resources, and ensure Sarawakians continue to play a key role in managing and developing our state's natural wealth,' she added. Labour Law Reform Coalition (LLRC) deputy chairman Andrew Lo echoed similar sentiments. While acknowledging that layoffs can be inevitable in the corporate world, he stressed that they must be executed with fairness and transparency. 'What must done is that the layoff must be a last resort, be made in good faith, with full consultation with employees and their unions, adequate compensation and feasible options and assistance to those affected- transition and training for new jobs.' Voluntary and mutual agreeable exit schemes should be implemented instead of forced retrenchment, he added. Such schemes should be offered to everyone to minimise coercion and undue pressure on employees, Lo added. According to Bernama report on Thursday, Petronas President and Chief Executive Officer Tengku Tan Sri Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz has said that Petronas would cut about 10 per cent of its workforce as part of the national oil and gas company's 'right-sizing' and restructuring process. Muhammad Taufik also denied that the state-owned company would exit its business in Canada. Petronas had previously stated that it needs to 'right-size' its workforce to ensure the company's sustainability in the decades to come. Petronas has nearly 50,000 employees, according to its website. gerawat gala Keroana Johny Weiss Petronas right size workforce
