Education mapping, credit transfer to give Sarawak's diploma holders clear and affordable path to degrees

Borneo Post

03-07-2025

Dr Annuar (third left) presents a certificate of appreciation to a representative from i-CATS University College.
SIBU (July 3): The Sarawak government's education mapping and credit transfer initiative will ensure the state's diploma holders have a clearer and more affordable path to pursue degree qualifications.
The effort was formalised through the Workshop on Education Mapping and Credit Transfer for Diploma Holders, jointly organised by the Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Sarawak (MEITD) and University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) here.
The workshop gathered delegates from 32 diploma-awarding institutions and representatives of Sarawak-owned tertiary institutions — UTS, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and i-CATS University College.
Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee, who also chairs UTS, said the initiative ensures diploma holders can seamlessly progress to degree-level education, particularly under the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) beginning next year.
'The idea is to give an opportunity for diploma holders to further their studies to degree level, especially now, with FTES and free tertiary education.
'In other words, there is a very clear pathway for them,' Dr Annuar told reporters after closing the workshop.
He said the education mapping and credit transfer scheme allows eligible diploma holders to proceed directly into the second year or third semester of degree programmes, bypassing the need to start from year one.
'They can transfer credits, which means they don't have to start again.
'This reduces the financial burden and encourages more students to pursue higher education,' he said.
Dr Annuar said many diploma holders had previously opted not to further their studies due to financial concerns or the need to work immediately after graduation.
'Some couldn't afford the tuition, while others chose to work but still couldn't secure a stable job.
'Now that tertiary education is free, we want as many diploma students as possible to take this opportunity.
'But they must be clearly and effectively informed about these pathways,' he added.
The workshop also addressed mapping suitable courses that support credit transfer in close collaboration with diploma colleges and participating universities.
'If diploma holders are already working, they'll need to leave their jobs and enrol full-time to benefit from free tertiary education. Part-time study is not covered under the scheme at this time,' he said.
He called on institutions such as polytechnics, vocational colleges, and private diploma-awarding colleges such as Technology College Sarawak (TCS) and Kolej Laila Taib (KLT) to actively disseminate this information to their students.
'This is the best option for diploma holders who want to upgrade themselves. It's free and we've made the path clearer; but awareness is key,' Dr Annuar stressed.
The initiative supports MEITD's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Quality Education and complements Sarawak's strategic efforts in talent development and education equity.