03-05-2025
Miri Mayor hails launch of StudyPal as game-changer for education access in Sarawak
Yii (right) receives a certificate of appreciation from Hii after the launch of StudyPal.
MIRI (May 4): Miri mayor Adam Yii has praised iMedia for creating the 'StudyPal' free platform for students who wish to further their studies and access a wide range of academic programmes.
'Congratulations to the entire StudyPal team. This is the beginning of a new chapter for education in Sarawak, starting right here in Miri,' he said in his address at the launching ceremony of the platform in Pustaka Miri here yesterday.
Also present at the launching ceremony were iMedia director Kelvin Hii.
He said the event was close to his heart, as it revolved around a fundamental issue, namely education.
'In Malaysia, education has always been one of the strongest pillars of development. Since independence, we've built schools in remote areas, invested in digital learning and created countless scholarships to ensure our young generation has access to quality learning.
'But I'm especially proud of what we've achieved here in Sarawak—just recently, the Sarawak government announced that some of the universities in Sarawak will soon experience free education. This is a monumental step. It sends a clear message that no one should be left behind just because they cannot afford it,' he said.
He said the free education initiative would not only ease the burden on families, but also encourage more young Sarawakians to dream big and aim higher.
'When we remove financial barriers, we open up possibilities. But of course, access to education is only part of the journey.
'The next question is how do we guide our students to the right path and how do we help them navigate a system that can often feel overwhelming? I believe that is where StudyPal comes in,' he said.
Yii said today's students live in a fast-changing world where there are large numbers of institutions and fields of study to choose from, and even the application process itself can feel intimidating.
'I know many parents, teachers, and even students, who struggle to make sense of it all. But what StudyPal offers is clarity—it's a one-stop platform that helps students explore their interests, understand who they are, and apply to universities or colleges that suit them best.'
He added that StudyPal is not only limited to students, but also school leavers, young adults, or even working parents looking to pick up a new qualification.
'We always talk about Miri becoming a smart and connected city. But to get there, we need tools like this (StudyPal). Tools that empower every person, regardless of age, background, or experience, to access information, explore opportunities, and make informed decisions,' he said.
One of the platform's features is 'Find your Path', which uses the RIASEC personality tool to help students identify what kind of learner they are, what career paths suit their traits, and which courses align with their strengths and interests.
'That's more than a feature, it's a guide. It's the kind of personalised advice every student deserves, but not all have access to. I can only imagine how helpful this will be in schools, especially in rural areas, where career counselling services may be limited,' he said.
StudyPal can be accessed at or Facebook and Instagram. adam yii lead miri StudyPal
