Free tertiary education for Sarawak-born adults resuming full-time studies
The Sarawak Premier called on Sarawakians to seize the opportunity to become undergraduate students to enhance their skills and knowledge of 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 at the state-level Labour Day Celebration 2025 here on Sunday (May 18).
Abang Johari said this initiative aims to develop Sarawak's human capital through higher education and skills training.
In a press conference after the event, he said that the free education offer, fully supported by the state government, only applies to full-time studies.
"Among the conditions is that applicants must be native-born Sarawakians," he said.
Starting 2026, 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. – Bernama
SABAH SWAK
COMP
Sarawak, Mature Students, Free Tertiary Education, Upskilling
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Sarawak seeks Mardi's help to boost rice production
KUCHING: Sarawak is seeking assistance from the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) for the supply of rice seeds to boost production, according to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. The state aims to expand its padi planting areas to become one of the country's top rice producers. Sarawak plans to plant 14,000 hectares of padi, projected to produce 240,000 tonnes of rice to achieve self-sufficiency. "If Mardi can assist Sarawak by providing more seeds, we will be able to expand our padi planting areas. If we can plant an additional 14,000 hectares, we will be able to produce about 500,000 tonnes of rice," he said during the opening of the National Padi Conference on Tuesday (Aug 12) night. Abang Johari noted that any excess rice produced by Sarawak could be shared with the rest of Malaysia, reducing the nation's dependence on rice imports. He also mentioned that Sarawak would collaborate with Mardi and other agencies on rice research to improve yield per hectare. A study by Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in Gedong increased rice yield from 1.2 tonnes per hectare to eight tonnes per hectare using new seeds and methods, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and machinery. "The study found that rice could be harvested five times in 24 months. I believe this can succeed in other padi planting areas and increase farmers' income," he added. Boosting padi production is part of Sarawak's post-Covid development strategy to ensure food security for the state and nation. "We need to develop the agriculture sector with new technologies. Ultimately, we want to become a net food exporter," Abang Johari said. Earlier, Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup highlighted Sarawak's potential in padi production. He said increasing Sarawak's self-sufficiency in rice is crucial for both state needs and national food security. To support these efforts, the ministry has allocated RM230 million for the padi industry in Sarawak, including developing new rice planting areas in Tanjung Bijat, Stumbin, Gran, Entulang, and Seduku under the 11th Malaysia Plan.


New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Maybank Islamic, Perodua offer 'flexible' vehicle ownership plan for Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: Maybank Islamic Bhd and Perodua have jointly introduced Malaysia's first Shariah-compliant agility financing plan, offering customers greater flexibility and accessibility in vehicle ownership. The Perodua Flexiplan, powered by Maybank Islamic myimpact Drive Financing-i, is the first collaboration of its kind for both companies. It features a Murabahah vehicle term financing arrangement, resulting in lower monthly payments over an initial five-year term. Under the scheme, customers can choose to trade in their Perodua vehicle at year five for a new model. Perodua is offering a buy-back price competitive with market value or opt to keep their existing vehicle under a revised payment plan for up to four more years. Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the plan is available for four models: Myvi, Axia (excluding the Axia E), Ativa and Aruz. The collaboration is aimed at delivering a win-win solution for all parties involved "Today, both Perodua and Maybank Islamic broke new ground as we join forces to offer the best possible financing package which ensures everybody wins; Perodua, Maybank Islamic and especially, our valued customers," he said. "We believe that with the backing of Malaysia's biggest bank combined with the trust that we have earned from Malaysians, the Perodua Flexiplan will be well accepted." Maybank group CEO of community and financial services Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar said the financing plan reflects the bank's values-based approach to customer service. "Across the Maybank Group, we have always been committed to empowering our customers with flexible, transparent, inclusive, and sustainable financial solutions, and Maybank Islamic myimpact Drive Financing-i is a reflection of that," he said. The innovative approach to all Malaysians alongside Perodua, addresses the preferences of modern car buyers and empowers them with flexible ownership choices, he added. The plan integrates other Shariah-compliant offerings such as Perodua Total Protect Plus comprehensive takaful underwritten by Etiqa, which includes RM5,000 special peril coverage, and Credit Reducing Term Takaful for added protection. Both companies said the initiative not only enhances car ownership accessibility but also creates a convenient structure for customers to adapt their vehicle choices to different life stages, setting a new benchmark in Malaysia's automotive financing landscape.


Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: Sarawak explores strategic partnerships with Korean stakeholders to power clean energy transition
(From fourth left) Ahmad Zawawi and Dr Hazland in a group photo with members from Koen and Korean industry players. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (Aug 12): Sarawak is exploring a potential strategic partnership with Korean stakeholders in renewable technology that could accelerate the state's clean energy transition, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said Sarawak has always welcomed strategic partnerships that will benefit the people, region, and nation. 'Our leaders welcome any opportunity to explore new ideas, technologies, and innovations. 'As such, we look forward to learning and exploring new approaches and innovations our Korean stakeholders will share with us in this event regarding hydrogen, smart grids, digital energy systems, and clean technology commercialisation which offer us real, scalable opportunities to enhance our regional capabilities and resilience,' he said in a speech for the opening ceremony of the Sustainable and Valuable Energy Conference (SAVE) 2025 here today. Deputy Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni delivered the speech. Abang Johari, who is also Energy and Environmental Sustainability Minister, said the partnership would deliver value in various forms in line with the state's Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030. 'These include technology transfer in frontier sectors like hydrogen fuel cells, grid automation and carbon capture; joint ventures and investment facilitation to spur industrial collaboration and local supply chain development; capacity building through research and development, skills training and professional exchange; as well as pilots and demonstrators, to de-risk innovation and prepare for full-scale deployment.' He pointed out that Sarawak's energy transformation is driven by PCDS 2030, which calls for a diversified, sustainable, and inclusive economic model. 'Sarawak is already a leader in renewable energy. With more than 70 per cent of our electricity sourced from clean hydropower, we offer one of the lowest carbon electricity grids in Southeast Asia. 'But we know that we must do more and move faster,' he said. In line with PCDS, he said the state is expanding its portfolio to include utility-scale solar and floating photovoltaic (PV) projects; green hydrogen production for mobility and export; biomass and waste-to-energy technologies; and energy efficiency programmes across industries. On SAVE, Abang Johari said the conference reflected Sarawak's commitment to clean energy and green industry, while providing a strategic platform to strengthen policy implementation, drive green economic growth, attract sustainable foreign direct investments, accelerate technology transfer and localisation, enhance the state's global positioning, develop human capital, and promote inclusive rural development. SAVE 2025 brought together over 260 participants, including experts, policymakers, business leaders, and innovators from Malaysia and Korea to explore practical solutions for transitioning to cleaner, more efficient, and economically viable energy systems. The two-day conference, held in collaboration with Korea South-East Power Co (Koen) and leading Korean industry players, marked the first time Sarawak plays host. SAVE 2025 is part of a progressive energy event series, previously held in Putrajaya in 2023 and Puchong, Selangor last year. Among those present were Association of Professional Technicians and Technologist chairman Ahmad Zawawi Kasmin, Koen senior manager Soon Eon Kwon, and Malaysian Association of Engineers president Datuk Feroz Hanif Mohamed Ahmad. Abang Johari Korean stakeholders lead