Latest news with #InnovationandTalentDevelopment
Borneo Post
6 days ago
- 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.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
First state-level test in Oct
KUCHING: Year Six pupils in Sarawak will sit for the state's inaugural Ujian Penilaian Dual Language Programme (UPDLP) on Oct 15 and 16, says state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah. He said the UPDLP is a standardised assessment for Year Six and Form Three students taking the dual language programme in Sarawak, covering the three core subjects of Science, Mathematics and English. 'The examination papers for these subjects are developed by our local expert teachers, ensuring they are tailored to the programme's specific needs and context. 'Crucially, all examination papers will also be thoroughly vetted and verified by Cambridge University Press and Assessment (CUP&A). This rigorous process guarantees that the assessments meet international standards,' he said in his winding-up speech at the Sarawak legislative assembly yesterday. Sagah said Swinburne Innovation Malaysia (SWIM) signed a contract service agreement with CUP&A in Cambridge, England, on April 30 to formalise the international partnership. 'This initiative is a collaborative effort by my ministry, the Education Ministry, the state Education Department, SWIM and our state-owned universities. 'It underscores our commitment to ensuring the standard of education in Sarawak continues to meet global standards,' he added. On Sarawak's free tertiary education scheme (FTES), Sagah said it would benefit 10,000 eligible Sarawakian students when it starts next year. He said the scheme, which was approved by the state government in March, is estimated to cost RM300mil in its first year. 'The FTES will first focus on undergraduate degrees in STEM-related fields, law, medicine, accounting, finance and psychology. 'However, other financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships or loans provided by Yayasan Sarawak to cater for any other courses, so nobody is left out,' Sagah said. To a question by Chong Chieng Jen (DAP-Padungan), who sought clarification on why the scheme is not offered for all courses, Sagah said FTES is still in its initial stage. 'We must spend wisely, and we also look at the talents required by the state in the next few years. 'It doesn't mean that now we offer it for these courses and stop at that,' he added.
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Science
- New Straits Times
Sarawak allocates RM20mil to provide free tuition to weak SPM students
KUCHING: Sarawak has allocated RM20 million this year to support a programme aimed at improving students' performances, particularly in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination. A core element of the Sarawak Enhancement Education Programme (SEEP) is the provision of free tuition to students, specifically targeting those students who have not passed their school-based examinations. State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah told the state assembly today the initiative was a testament to Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg's on-going commitment to strengthening education in Sarawak. He said the programme focused on Form 3 students, offering tuition in core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, and History. For upper secondary students, he said the programme extends to include tuition for all pure science subjects. "The overarching objective is to enhance students' readiness for STEM-related courses at tertiary level and to prepare them for future careers within STEM fields," he told the state legislative when winding up debates on his ministry. "Beyond free tuition, SEEP encompasses a range of supplementary activities. "These include the development of comprehensive learning modules for both teachers and students, the creation of a dedicated SEEP Management System, and the organisation of various webinars and workshops. "Furthermore, the programme facilitates crucial engagement sessions with teachers and parents."
New Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sarawak aims to produce 500 semiconductor engineers by 2030
KUCHING: Sarawak aims to produce 500 semiconductor engineers by 2030, state Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Datuk Seri Roland Sagah Wee Inn said today. He said state-owned Microelectronics Design (SMD) is running upskilling and reskilling programmes to achieve the target. "One key programme is the semiconductor mastery programme, developed in partnership with Melexis Malaysia and Centre of Technology Excellence Sarawak (CENTEXS)." He said this in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly here. He said 28 trainees had completed a six-month training programme and were hired by SMD, Melexis, and X-FAB Sarawak at the Samajaya Hi-Tech Park. To strengthen Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor industry, SMD has established an R&D innovation hub in Newport, Wales, in collaboration with CSA Catapult. "This move gives us access to world-class research facilities, top-tier talent and key industry partners. "A highlight this year is the development of an Edge AI-power converter we soft-launched in Newport, witnessed by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. Sagah said that the prototype is a breakthrough for smart grids, electrical vehicles and industrial systems using AI for real-time power management and energy efficiency. He said that the Sarawak Artificial Intelligence Centre is central to the state's vision of achieving AI sovereignty. "This will be realised through the establishment of a trusted AI infrastructure, the development of domestic AI and domain expertise, the protection of Sarawak's data ownership, and the deployment of AI solutions that enhance governance, public service delivery, and AI security." He said the centre is leading the development of the Sarawak AI Roadmap, a blueprint to guide efforts in building an inclusive and future-ready AI ecosystem. He added that, as part of this initiative, the centre is co-developing Sarawak's AI strategy and policy framework with government policymakers to ensure alignment with the state's digital agenda. "At the same time, the centre will work with stakeholders and industry partners to design a strategy for AI talent development.' This, he said, will include training, upskilling and capacity-building efforts aimed at equipping Sarawakians with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven economy. He said the centre will embark on artificial intelligence research and development, in partnership with research institutions and institutions of higher learning. He said that these efforts will position Sarawak at the forefront of technological innovation and knowledge creation. "One of the key focus areas under the AI Roadmap is the development of DeepSAR, a specialised AI platform co- developed with stakeholders from the biodiversity sector and other industries. "DeepSAR will support advanced research and data-driven solutions that leverage Sarawak's natural heritage and sectoral expertise."
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
As June 1 submission deadline draws closer, 55 pct students eligible for Sarawak's Special Financial Assistance yet to apply for aid
Photo for illustration purposes only. — Photo by Armin Rimoldi/Pexels KUCHING (May 26): Sarawak's Special Financial Assistance (BKK) initiative has received just over 27,000 applications, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister said based on the ministry's estimation, as of May 24, there are 60,220 students eligible for the RM1,200 pocket money. 'As of May 24, 2025, a total of 27,033 students have submitted their applications. 'I would like to give notice to all eligible students that the closing date for the application is on June 1, 2025,' he said during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here today. In delivering his ministerial winding-up speech, Sagah said every Sarawakian studying at tertiary institutions across the country are entitled to the annual pocket money, regardless of household income. 'This initiative is not just about easing the burden of daily expenses. It enables our students to focus on their studies, to dream bigger, and to move forward without the weight of financial worries,' he said pointing out the initiative is also an investment in social mobility, economic prosperity, and a more equitable society. On the free laptop and book voucher initiatives, Sagah said the state government has distributed 9,581 laptops and 3,015 book vouchers to eligible students in all tertiary institutions in Malaysia. 'This year, we expect more students will benefit this scheme. In collaboration with Yayasan Sarawak, our implementing agency, we will be enhancing our promotional efforts and engagement activities to ensure that more members of the public are aware of the educational assistance available to students.' He said the assistance is open to all Sarawakians, studying full-time at any public or private higher learning institution recognised by the Ministry of Higher Education across the country. 'It is meant for students from families with a per capita income of RM1,500 or below per month. 'For the free laptop, applicants must also be in their first year of study, to help them start their studies with the right tools,' he said, adding that all applicants must be registered in the My-Yayasan system.
