Latest news with #FreeTertiaryEducationScheme
Borneo Post
23-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Premier: Free Tertiary Education Scheme's long-term sustainability to be prioritised with any expansion plans
Abang Johari listens as Gerawat makes a point during the town hall session. MIRI (July 23): Any expansion of Sarawak's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) must be carefully deliberated to ensure its long-term sustainability, said Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The Premier said this in response to questions from students during the town hall in conjunction with Sarawak Day here yesterday, where FTES was enthusiastically discussed. Abang Johari explained the tertiary institutions that will offer free education to Sarawakians next year are state-owned. 'We want to send 'Anak Sarawak' to these institutions and the latter's tuition fees will be taken care of by the state government. 'If we brazenly expand the initiative to other institutions, particularly those owned by the federal government, it might not be possible because they don't offer that,' he said. He pointed out that the state government decided to introduce the programme after improving its revenue from RM6 billion to over RM12 billion as this would ensure the programme could be a long-term one. 'Now that we are able to implement it, we are doing it carefully to make sure all Sarawakians can benefit from it,' he added. On his hope for the future of Sarawak and its development, Abang Johari said the younger generation should prepare themselves to lead. 'Self-confidence, discipline, social interaction skills, and the ability to work as a team are the four essential criteria that will shape Sarawak's future leaders,' he said. Abang Johari is seen in a group photo with the town hall attendees. These qualities are important not only for individual success, but also for building a resilient society that can adapt to rapid changes in technology, economy, and global dynamics, he stated. Abang Johari stressed that Sarawak's ongoing transformation agenda, particularly in digital economy, green energy (methanol production), and the recent launch of the KETEQ AI nano chip are among the government's efforts to improve and upgrade the state's economy to attract young Sarawakian talents to return to the state. He also reminded students that while artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most widely used technologies today and has the potential to ease many aspects of work, it must be approached with caution. 'Like deepfakes, imagine President Donald Trump speaks fluent Iban, it would be both absurd and alarming,' he said. He emphasised that using AI effectively requires not only a solid understanding of the technology, but also a strong ethical foundation and critical thinking skills as misusing AI could negatively impact society. The town hall session moderated by Deputy Minister in the Premier's Department (Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring) Datuk Gerawat Gala was attended by over 1,500 including ministers and deputy ministers; students from 17 secondary schools and 11 public tertiary institutions; and representatives from 20 non-governmental organisations. Sarawak Day celebration minister in charge Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin presents a memento to Abang Johari. Also seen is Gerawat. Abang Johari Free Tertiary Education Scheme lead
Borneo Post
12-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
UTS, PTTEP ink scholarship deal to boost engineering talent
SIBU (July 12): University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) has signed a landmark scholarship agreement with PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited, marking another significant milestone in the university's development journey. The agreement was signed during a ceremony at the UTS campus by Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abd Hamid on behalf of the university, while PTTEP Sarawak Oil Limited was represented its Country Manager for Malaysia Asset, Padsakorn Suwanruji. Speaking at UTS-PTTEP Scholarship Agreement Exchange Ceremony, Khairuddin expressed his appreciation for PTTEP's trust and partnership, which he described as being founded on shared values, mutual trust, and a collective mission to empower Sarawak's youth. 'On behalf of UTS, I extend our deepest gratitude to PTTEP for selecting us as the sole institution in East Malaysia to implement this exclusive scholarship programme,' he said. 'This decision reflects a strong vote of confidence in our academic excellence, our dedication to student development, and our commitment to nurturing engineering talent for the region.' The PTTEP Scholarship, he said, goes beyond a typical financial aid package. It offers a comprehensive five-year development pathway – starting from the Foundation in Science (FIS) programme through to a full undergraduate degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, with full financial support. 'What sets this initiative apart is PTTEP's commitment to prioritising scholars for job placements across its global operations – an exceptional incentive that will inspire our young talents to pursue their studies with determination and focus,' Khairuddin added. As part of PTTEP's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, the scholarship is aimed at students enrolled in the FIS programme at UTS, offering them a fully funded opportunity to pursue engineering education and careers. The initiative also aligns with the Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) by the Sarawak government, starting in 2026, which will waive tuition fees for Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programmes. 'This bold move will significantly ease access to higher education,' said Khairuddin, who also briefed attendees on UTS's background and growth trajectory. Meanwhile, Padsakorn noted that the agreement symbolised PTTEP's commitment to supporting Sarawak's youth and opening doors to a brighter future. 'PTTEP believes in investing in local talents and supporting them with world-class training and global exposure,' he said. He emphasised that the scholarship reflects PTTEP's broader CSR goals, ensuring that deserving students, especially from underserved communities, have access to quality education and life-changing opportunities. 'As our presence in Sarawak grows, we are not only focusing on energy resources; we are also focusing on people,' Padsakorn added. The ceremony was attended by several key stakeholders, including UTS Deputy Vice-Cchancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shahril Osman, Registrar Jimmy De Rozario @ Abdul Rahman, Student Development & Services Centre (SDSC) director Lu Yew King, PTTEP head of Malaysia Sarawak Asset Thakerngchai Sangvaree, head of GRC and Public Affairs Section Tengku Saifuzzaman, head of Human Resource Section Ratanawadee Bansit, and head of Capability Development and Employee Relations Anita Gomez.
Borneo Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Education mapping, credit transfer to give Sarawak's diploma holders clear and affordable path to degrees
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.
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Borneo Post
No agent, third party appointed to offer Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme, ministry clarifies
MEITD says that it takes seriously the information that certain parties are promising free education opportunities in exchange for payments or other forms of compensation from the public. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 26): The Sarawak Ministry of Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) has never appointed any individual, agent or third party to offer the state's Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES). It said that it takes seriously the information that certain parties are promising free education opportunities in exchange for payments or other forms of compensation from the public. It clarified that such actions are illegal and can be considered fraud attempts. 'The MEITC will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or party found to have deceived or misused the name of MEITD of the Sarawak government for personal gain. 'As such, the public is urged not to be easily deceived by such offers and to always be cautious of individuals or parties claiming to represent the government in matters related to free education,' it said in a statement today. It added that any FTES-related official statements would only be issued by the MEITD through the official communication channels of the Sarawak Government. – Bernama education free FTES MTEID sarawak
Borneo Post
26-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sarawak to prioritise critical, technical courses under FTES for now, says Sagah
Sagah (third left), Mohamad Kadim (second left) and others carry out the 'Ngiling Bidai' ritual marking the end of Gawai. – Photo by Chimon Upon KUCHING (June 26): The Sarawak government will prioritise critical and technical courses under its Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) to meet the growing demands of industries in the state, said State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. While acknowledging the importance of other academic fields, Sagah said the initial focus must be on areas crucial to the state's economic development. 'I cannot make the decision myself, but what I can say is that next year's FTES will only cover critical courses. 'This is because we are seriously considering the urgent needs of Sarawak's industries,' he said. He was responding to a proposal by i-CATS University College Vice-Chancellor, Professor Emeritus Datuk Ts Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, during the institution's Gawai Celebration today, who had earlier called for the scheme to be expanded to include more disciplines. Sagah said the state government hopes to see tangible results from the initial phase of the scheme, particularly in workforce development and income growth for Sarawak. 'If successful, the scheme may be expanded. Hopefully, as more students enter the workforce and help boost the state's income, we can eventually look at including more courses beyond just the critical ones,' he added. Earlier in his speech, Mohamad Kadim proposed that FTES be extended to non-technical fields such as economics, business, hospitality, and tourism, arguing that these sectors also play a vital role in Sarawak's development. He highlighted the hospitality industry's ongoing reliance on workers from outside Sarawak, stressing the need to develop more local talent for the sector. He said by strengthening education in hospitality and tourism, there would be more opportunities for Sarawakians to fill the growing vacancies The FTES, set to be implemented in 2026, will initially cover undergraduate programmes in STEM fields, law, medicine, accounting, finance, and psychology. Participating institutions include Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), and i-CATS University College. courses Free Tertiary Education Scheme FTES Roland Sagah technical
