Latest news with #AnnuarRapaee
Barnama
6 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
UTS Enrolment To Hit 5,000 By Year-end
SIBU, July 24 (Bernama) -- The number of students furthering their studies at Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) here is expected to reach 5,000 by the end of this year, said State Deputy Minister of Education and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. He said the enrolment at the Sarawak government-owned university now exceeds 4,000, comprising students from across Sarawak and other parts of the country. 'I can assure you that by the end of this year, we might reach 5,000. By next year, definitely 5,000 students, and that is our full capacity,' he told reporters after the UTS Appreciation Dinner 2025 last night. Dr Annuar said UTS now records the highest enrolment among local universities in Sarawak. 'During the recent intake for the foundation programme, there were even students from West Malaysia,' he added. He said UTS has become the university of choice for students from the central region, surpassing Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus in Kuching and Curtin University Malaysia in Miri in terms of student numbers. Dr Annuar said that when he was appointed UTS chairman in 2021, the university had around 1,200 students, with enrolment falling during the COVID‑19 pandemic. To make higher education more accessible to poor families, he and vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Ab Hamid introduced bursaries covering 50 per cent of tuition fees for all students, with an additional 80 per cent bursary reserved for 100 students from the B40 group. 'We were criticised then that UTS, which was built using government funds, was not meant for poor people because its fees were too high. 'Without fees, you cannot run a university, but doing nothing would make it a burden. Thanks to the bursary scheme, the university has grown from around 1,200 students to more than 4,000 now and is on track to reach 5,000,' he added.
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
UTS key catalyst in Sibu's transformation, says Dr Annuar
Dr Annuar speaks during the UTS Appreciation Dinner in Sibu on Tuesday. SIBU (July 23): Universiti Teknologi Sarawak (UTS) is not just an institution of higher learning but a major driver of Sibu's urban and socioeconomic development, said Deputy State Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee. Speaking at the UTS Appreciation Dinner here on Tuesday, Dr Annuar said the university has come a long way since its early days as a university college with just 1,100 students, and now boasts an enrolment of over 4,000 students, with full capacity of 5,000 expected by year's end. 'When I was appointed as chairman, there were doubts and perceptions that UTS wasn't for the poor. 'That motivated us to change the narrative and improve accessibility. So, we introduced a 50 per cent bursary for all Sarawakian students, and it worked,' he said. Dr Annuar, who also chairs the UTS Board of Directors, said the initiative had a significant impact, especially in encouraging enrolment among rural and B40 students. The percentage of students from low-income families rose from just 8 per cent to nearly 40 per cent within a few years, he revealed. He expressed his hope that UTS would continue to act as a growth engine for Sibu, drawing a parallel to how Sunway has evolved into a thriving hub due to the presence of a university. 'Imagine 10,000 students living in Sibu, that's thousands renting homes, dining out, and boosting local businesses. A university can transform a town,' he said. He also disclosed ongoing efforts to attract international students and strengthen academic pathways from diploma to degree levels, noting that UTS is steadily gaining momentum to become one of the nation's top institutions. In a landmark announcement, Dr Annuar said the Sarawak government will offer free tertiary education at UTS for Sarawakian students starting next year. 'We never promised free education, but we made it happen. No other state, no matter how wealthy, is doing this. It's a historic milestone,' he said, lauding the bold vision of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Dr Annuar concluded by expressing his pride in seeing UTS grow and evolve into a major force for the future of Sarawak. 'My greatest satisfaction is witnessing UTS grow from 1,000 to 5,000 students and securing the support needed to make higher education accessible to all. This university is no longer just a campus, it's a key engine for Sarawak's future.' he said. Among those present at the event were UTS Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid, Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili, and Zone 4 Sibu Fire chief Andy Alie. Dr Annuar Rapaee lead Sibu Universiti Teknologi Sarawak UTS
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
BKK: Dr Annuar dismisses claims of false promise, says over 21,000 applications stringently verified
(From second left) Dr Annuar and TCS executive director Dr Amin Aznizan symbolically hand over the aid to a TCS student representative. KUCHING (July 18): More than half of the 42,000 applications for the RM1,200 Special Financial Assistance (BKK) for Sarawak students have been verified, with the remainder expected to be processed by the end of this month. Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the verification process is ongoing and requires extra care as the scheme involves public funds. 'We have to be meticulous about it. We cannot afford to give it to someone who is not eligible and we also don't want to miss someone who is,' he told reporters after handing over education aid to underprivileged students at Technology College Sarawak (TCS) here. Dr Annuar said this in response to accusations that BKK was a false promise. 'That (42,000 applicants) is a whole lot and it (the system) is jammed up. The accusation that the BKK is a lie and an empty promise is not true,' he explained. He pointed out the verification is based on letters from universities, which has slowed down the process. 'Initially, we thought it could be done quickly, but this is the first time we are implementing this scheme. 'After this, only new intakes will require verification,' he said. Dr Annuar pledged that payment to eligible students will not be an issue as alternative transfer methods are available for those without S Pay Global accounts. BKK was scheduled to be officially launched by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg on June 28, with approved applicants to receive their first disbursement immediately after. Dr Annuar also shared plans for the Siswa Balik Sekolah programme, which encourages students to give back to society during semester breaks by assisting primary school pupils and promoting interest in mathematics and science. Discussions are being held with the Education Department and Sarawak- universities including Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College, University Technology Sarawak (UTS), and Curtin University Malaysia, to integrate the initiative with General Studies (MPU) under community engagement requirements. During today's event, 118 TCS underprivileged students each received RM1,000 in education aid from Yayasan Taqwa-Majlis Agama Islam Wilayah Persekutuan (MAIWP) to help cover costs such as transportation, meals, and learning materials. As a charitable arm of MAIWP, Yayasan Taqwa is dedicated to distributing zakat and implementing education welfare programmes. The collaboration with TCS marks a strategic effort to support affordable higher education, particularly in Sarawak where accessibility remains a challenge for many. BKK Dr Annuar Rapaee lead
Borneo Post
18-07-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Dr Annuar: Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Sibu awaiting final approval from Bomba
Dr Annuar speaks to reporters after presenting the education aid. KUCHING (July 18): The Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School (YSISS) in Sibu is expected to begin operations this year, subject to final approval from the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba). Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said students accepted into the school are currently attending classes at the YSISS campus here while waiting to move. 'We are just waiting for Bomba to give the green light. Once that's done, the students can move into the new building,' he told reporters after presenting education aid to underprivileged students at Technology College Sarawak (TCS) here today. He said preparations are being completed to ensure a smooth transition. 'I don't want the students to move in without proper facilities, no lights, no fans, no plates. Everything must be in place before they are relocated,' he said. Dr Annuar stressed the school is ready and the only delay is procedural. 'There is no need to worry. The building is there, the students are ready, the teachers are ready. 'We just need to make sure the environment is safe and fully equipped,' he said. YSISS Sibu is among several international secondary schools established by Yayasan Sarawak to offer quality education based on the Cambridge syllabus, particularly for students from B40 and rural communities. YSISS Petra Jaya was the first to open followed by YSISS Kuching (Mile 12). The Sibu school was initially expected to open next year but is now set to begin ahead of schedule. YSISS is also expected to begin operations in Bintulu and Miri by 2027. Dr Annuar Rapaee lead Yayasan Sarawak International Secondary School Sibu
Borneo Post
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Bill's passing gives voice to ‘every corner of Sarawak' – Dr Annuar
Dr Annuar speaks during the Motion of Adjournment. – Penerangan photo KUCHING (July 7): The passing of the Dewan Undangan Negeri (Composition of Members) Bill 2025 marks a significant milestone for Sarawak, with far-reaching implications for democratic representation, social equity and rural development. Speaking during the Motion of Adjournment for the special one-day sitting of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee (GPS-Nangka) said the expansion of seats would allow more voices from across Sarawak to be heard in the legislature. 'Because of today, the voices of the people from every corner of Sarawak will increase in this august House. 'This is important in democratic practice. A government based on democracy, that is, a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,' he said. He said the clearest outcome from the day's debates was the shared priority among most assemblymen to ensure that every community in Sarawak had a voice in the law-making process. 'For a diverse state like Sarawak, equity—or fairness—is critical. If we apply the principle of 'One man, one vote, one value', minority groups will continue to be marginalised. 'In the end, the majority will govern in a totalitarian manner, and this is not good for democracy.' Dr Annuar also addressed criticisms suggesting that the proposed increase in state seats could lead to gerrymandering—the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favour certain political outcomes. He firmly rejected this concern, stressing that voting outcomes in Sarawak have historically reflected voters' choices, not 'boundary engineering'. 'For example in 2016, Democratic Action Party won seven seats. However, in 2022, without any redelineation, they suffered major losses and were left with only two seats, Pending and Padungan. 'This clearly proves that their defeat was not due to gerrymandering.' Responding to concerns over the cost of additional seats, Dr Annuar said the development impact far outweighed the expenditure on elected representatives' allowances. 'Some have said that this will increase government spending because we have to pay allowances to 17 new assembly members. True, their allowances may cost around RM4.5 million a year, but those 17 new areas will enjoy a development budget of RM120 million. 'So, are we to deny RM120 million in development just because of RM4.5 million in allowances? That's an illogical comparison and merely aimed at confusing the public,' he said. The special sitting adjourned sine die at 5.44pm.
