Latest news with #FTES
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
S'wak pushing for Dayak community progress via free education, rural development
KUCHING: The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure. This, said Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, was in line with the goals outlined in the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). He said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. "The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. "I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields," he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. He also said Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the state government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the premier said the Sarawak government was considering a proposal to convert 5,000km of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. "If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system," he said.
Barnama
4 days ago
- Business
- Barnama
S'wak Pushing For Dayak Community Progress Via Free Education, Rural Development
KUCHING, May 31 (Bernama)– The Sarawak government is committed to enhancing the economic and social standing of the Dayak community through initiatives such as free higher education and the continued development of rural infrastructure, in line with the goals outlined in the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). State Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said education remains the most powerful tool to ensure inclusive progress among all communities in Sarawak. 'The Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) is expected to cost the state RM300 million in its first year of implementation next year, benefitting around 10,000 students at four state-owned universities. 'I believe this initiative will open doors for many Sarawakian youths, especially those from low-income families and rural areas, to pursue degree-level studies in selected fields,' he said in his message ahead of the Gawai Dayak 2025 celebration tomorrow. Abang Johari said the programme covers full tuition fees and includes an annual living allowance of RM15,000 for students from households earning RM1,500 and below. Abang Johari also said that Sarawak's revenue has surged to RM15 billion in 2024, compared to RM6 billion eight years ago, enabling the state to intensify efforts in infrastructure development, including the construction of roads, bridges and coastal highways. He said the construction of bridges across the state reflects the GPS-led government's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure, thereby facilitating the movement of people, agricultural produce and local industrial goods. Meanwhile, the Premier said that the state government is considering a proposal to convert 5,000 kilometres of decommissioned logging roads, such as those in the Kapit division, into public roads. 'If implemented, this plan would greatly improve rural connectivity with a more structured road system,' he said.
Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
No Sarawakian left behind in drive for inclusive growth, says Abang Johari in Gawai message
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg and his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Juma'ani Tuanku Bujang wishes all Dayak celebrants and fellow Sarawakians a joyful and blessed Gawai Dayak celebration. – Photo courtesy of Premier's Office KUCHING (May 31): Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), set to begin next year, will enable many Sarawakians from underprivileged and rural backgrounds to pursue higher education at the degree level, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said the initiative, which is part of the state's broader push for inclusive development under the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, aims to ensure that no one is left behind. 'In other words, the prosperity of Sarawak must benefit all Sarawakians, regardless of religious background, lineage, or where they live,' he said in his Gawai Dayak message. Abang Johari emphasised that education is the best tool for uplifting communities and narrowing socio-economic disparities across the state. 'I strongly believe that education is the most powerful and effective way to unite every race in this state to jointly achieve the development of this state. 'The free education initiative at the university level or FTES starting next year is a step to open up opportunities for Sarawakian children without having to worry about the financial capabilities of the students' families,' he said. He noted that FTES, which is expected to cost RM300 million in its first year, will support 10,000 students enrolled in four state-owned higher learning institutions in 2026. 'This initiative includes free tuition fees and an allowance of RM15,000 per year for students from families earning RM1,500 or less per month,' he said. The Premier said the scheme will prioritise degree programmes in fields that are crucial for Sarawak's future workforce needs, namely Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), medicine, law, accounting, finance, and psychology. He said these fields were chosen to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge required by a rapidly evolving job market. He also highlighted the state's efforts to strengthen access to world-class education through the establishment of Yayasan Sarawak International Schools. 'Admission to these schools is open to all Sarawakians who demonstrate academic excellence, especially children of farmers, fishermen, and those from the B40 group. 'Through this initiative, I am confident that many Sarawakian children will have the opportunity to be accepted into renowned universities such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom and Stanford University in the United States,' he said. On another matter, Abang Johari said Sarawak is exploring plans to convert 5,000km of unused logging roads, such as those in Kapit division, into public roads to improve rural connectivity and economic access. He said this initiative is part of the Sarawak government's development strategy to fast-track infrastructure delivery in rural and interior areas. 'If implemented, this plan will greatly improve rural connectivity through a more structured road network,' he said. He acknowledged that many rural and remote areas in Sarawak still lack sufficient infrastructure to support the movement of people and agricultural logistics. 'The conventional administrative and development approach is no longer sufficient to accelerate development in Sarawak, which is almost the size of Peninsular Malaysia which is divided into 11 states under the administration of 11 Menteri Besars and Chief Ministers. 'Therefore, the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government has established local development agencies under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda) to further intensify development efforts across Sarawak, especially in rural areas that require infrastructure and public utilities,' he said. He said the GPS government under his leadership, with the strong support of his colleagues in the State Cabinet, has worked hard over the past eight years to increase Sarawak's revenue. 'Alhamdulillah, Sarawak's revenue in 2024 has increased to RM15 billion from around RM6 billion eight years ago. 'With this increase revenue, the Sarawak government can implement more robust development programmes with greater confidence and vigour, particularly in terms of providing infrastructure facilities such as roads, bridges, costal roads, the Second Trunk Road to shorten travel distance between Kuching and Sibu, and access roads in rural areas,' he said. He said this month alone, two bridges were officially open to the public namely the Batang Rajang Bridge not far from Sarikei to facilitate travel from Sarikei to Tanjung Manis, and the Saribas Bridge No.1. 'I officiated the Batang Rajang Bridge on May 17, which is the fourth bridge completed this year in a major plan to upgrade infrastructure facilities in Sarawak to catalyse economic growth. 'On May 25, the fifth bridge across Batang Saribas namely the 1.55km Saribas Bridge No.1 which cost RM376 million, was opened for public use,' he said. He also said that other bridges expected to be completed this year are the Sungai Lingga, Batang Igan, Batang Lupar I, Sungai Limbang, Sebauh, and Sejingkat bridges. 'The construction of these bridges are among the 12 planned bridges, demonstrating the GPS government's commitment to upgrading Sarawak's road transport network to facilitate the movement of people, agricultural products and industrial products,' he added. Abang Johari also touched on the recent mutual agreement between the Sarawak government and federal government in moving forward to develop the oil and gas industry in Sarawak in the spirit of respecting both federal and state laws. 'It is the aspiration of the people of Sarawak to utilise the returns from the state's natural resources to develop our state. 'Once again, I would like to thank the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for understanding our people's hopes for Sarawak to progress like other developed regions,' he said. He said these aspirations are the legacy of past leaders who were other leaders of this country in the formation of Malaysia in 1963. 'The hopes of those leaders in 1963 are also the hopes of Sarawakians today – that Sarawak will one day become a developed and high-income region as envisioned in the PCDS 2030,' he said.
BusinessToday
4 days ago
- Business
- BusinessToday
Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education: A Scheme That Sounds Better Than It Works
Dr. Syed Alwee Alsagoff The Sarawak state government's recent approval of the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), debated in Dewan Undangan Negeri Sarawak and set to commence in 2026, deserves closer examination. Academic commentators caution that such schemes may, in certain conditions, undermine the very goals they seek to achieve. Theoretical frameworks across disciplines warn against such approaches. Economic theory via Gary Becker's Human Capital demonstrates how removing price signals distorts investment decisions. Sociological analysis through Pierre Bourdieu's Cultural Capital shows free access benefits only the privileged. Social psychology's Leon Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory explains why students undervalue cost-free education. The fundamental flaw becomes apparent when examined through three critical pressure points. These interconnected challenges are funding sustainability, employment economies, and social outcomes. When any one area fails, the entire system breaks down. The Funding and Quality Crisis Free tertiary education begins with noble ideals. It may quickly collapse under financial strain. Universities become chronically underfunded – lecture halls overflow, equipment grows obsolete. Faculty burnout soars as universities compensate by slashing staff and morale – quality lies in ruins. Without proper funding, 'free' becomes a bargain at the cost of excellence. Scotland's SNP policy cut per-student funding by 15% in a decade. France still struggles with Mitterrand's underfunded fiscal legacy – its 2014's dismal stats reported 30% on-time graduation, 44% first-year retention. Macron's recent €904M education budget cuts worsen overcrowded reality. Germany stumbled initially. Merkel's Higher Education Pact 2020 and Excellence Initiative had to pour billions into reforms. They reinstated Numerus Clausus restrictions. Elite program admissions remain brutally competitive everywhere. Only 20% of qualified applicants secure UK medical school spots. 25% in Germany's Numerus Clausus. 5% of NEET-qualified candidates in India. These bottlenecks exist regardless of tuition fee schemes. The verdict? Free tuition works only with massive, sustained investment and tough controls. Anything less fails students and economies alike. Job Market Disconnect Critics argued against Sri Lanka's Mahinda Rajapaksa-era 20% graduate unemployment. Egypt's Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's education expansion bred 'diploma mills.' Free tuition without market accountability fails. When neither students nor universities bear the cost of poor program choices, the result is identical. Protests over unemployable degrees. Systems that prioritise access over outcomes. Today, Sarawak's economy depends heavily on oil, gas, and palm oil. It requires specific technical skills and entrepreneurial capabilities. While the FTES covers STEM, Law, Medical, Accounting, and Finance programs, this traditional academic focus may not align with future emerging economic needs. A free university system that channels students toward conventional programs today – rather than future growth sectors like digital technology, green energy, and advanced manufacturing – creates ill-equipped graduates tomorrow. Social Mobility Failure The most profound irony: poorly designed free education policies may increase inequality rather than reduce it. Chile's experience under Michelle Bachelet's expanded free higher education shows how middle-class families capture the greatest benefits. Working-class students continue facing barriers from living costs and cultural capital gaps. Brazil shows similar patterns under Lula da Silva's expansion policies. Chronic underfunding creates a two- tier system. Wealthy families send children to expensive private schools for university preparation. They then capture most free public university places. Poor students miss out entirely. In Sarawak, urban families in Kuching and Miri are better positioned to take advantage. They have superior secondary education preparation and stronger social networks. Rural and indigenous communities face different barriers that removing tuition fees doesn't address. A Better Path Some critics say Sarawak merely requires resolute governance to optimise implementation rather than pursuing ideologically-driven yet demonstrably ineffective strategies. Rather than blanket free tuition, the focus should be on: Enforcing PTPTN's income-contingent loans with proper graduate tracking Targeted equity reforms – more scholarships for poor and rural B40 students Performance-based funding that rewards universities for post-tertiary professional trajectories. The debate isn't about ideals of access (this is unassailable) but implementation realities. A tuition-free degree is worthless if it doesn't open doors. Related
Borneo Post
27-05-2025
- Science
- Borneo Post
Dr Annuar: 82 pct of courses at three state-owned universities to be free under Sarawak education scheme
Dr Annuar said the list of free courses will continue to expand, with reviews to be carried out by an independent panel formed by universities. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (May 27): A total of 82 per cent courses offered at three state-owned universities next year will be free under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said the figure is based on data from Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak, Curtin University Malaysia, and University of Technology Sarawak. He revealed that Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak will offer 22 out of 25 courses for free, UTS will offer 15 out of 18 courses for free, while 21 out of 28 Curtin University Malaysia courses will be free. 'All in all, 82 per cent of the courses offered by the three universities will be free next year, which is almost 100 percent,' Dr Annuar told a press conference at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) today. He added i-CATS University College had yet to give its figure. He was responding to Chong Chieng Jen (DAP–Padungan), who had yesterday questioned the ministry on why FTES only applied to selected courses. Dr Annuar said the list of free courses will continue to expand, with reviews to be carried out by an independent panel formed by universities. 'The review of which courses are needed is done by an independent panel formed by universities such as UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) and UiTM (Universiti Teknologi Mara). 'So, if Swinburne says, 'I want this course to be free,' we will forward this to the panel. The panel will then advise the ministry, and the Cabinet will have to approve,' he explained. He cited psychology as an example of a course that was not initially included but later added following a review. 'Initially it was not there, but when we reviewed and the Premier agreed, there were many people with problems. 'And partly also, in psychology, there is a science input. In psychology, it's all part of the brain. 'So, there needs to be science input. In fact, we are short of that,' said Dr Annuar. He added that once the infrastructure is in place, the focus should shift to human capital, as natural resources alone are insufficient to drive economic growth.
