Latest news with #SarawakFreeTertiaryEducationScheme
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
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.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
No objection to Sarawak's FTES
PUTRAJAYA: The federal government has no objection to the Sarawak government's initiative to provide free higher education to its people through state-owned higher education institutions (IPTs), said Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. He said the decision was within the rights and capacity of the state government to channel educational assistance to Sarawakian students and should not be questioned by any party. 'It is an initiative made by the state government. So we have no objection to the efforts being made because the Sarawak government has the ability,' he told reporters after attending the 'Karisma Pemimpin Muda Madani 2025' programme here today. Zambry said the federal government remains open to collaborating with any state government to enhance the quality of education in the country, including in the field of higher education. 'We are also aware that in the context of the federal government, we always work with any state in efforts to further improve the quality of education, whether at the primary education level or the higher education level,' he said. Commenting further, Zambry said it was a decision by the Sarawak government based on the state's strong financial position. He said the question for further studies on the policy does not arise as long as it did not involve constitutional issues or contravene existing laws. The Sarawak Cabinet on March 20 approved a proposal paper for the implementation of the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), which will be implemented starting next year.
Borneo Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Fully-funded higher education soon for Sarawakian workers, says Sagah
Sagah added that the free higher education for Sarawakian workers is open to both employees in the public and private sectors. KUCHING (May 24): Sarawakian workers seeking to further their studies will soon be able to apply for a fully-funded higher education, said Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn. The State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister pointed out that while his ministry is currently concentrating on the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES) for school students, a similar initiative will soon be extended to Sarawakian working adults. 'We will devise the form (for the Sarawakian workers), but they must first apply for a place in a university (to further their studies),' he said when met after launching the Pesta Sungai Simpok at Kampung Simpok today. Sagah added that the free higher education for Sarawakian workers is open to both employees in the public and private sectors. He also reiterated that the assistance will be provided only to those pursuing full-time studies, not part-time courses. 'We want to give opportunities to those who may already hold a degree or who previously did not have the chance to pursue tertiary education but are now working, so they can further their studies and improve their qualifications. 'My advice is that they must choose courses relevant to their future.' He added that there is no age limit for the fully-funded studies, as long as individuals have the 'K' status in their MyKad to prove that they are Sarawakians. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, at the state-level 2025 Labour Day celebration on May 18, had announced that the Sarawak government is offering free full-time higher education to Sarawakian adults who wish to resume full-time studies. The courses to enrol are in state-owned higher learning institutions, namely Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Curtin University Malaysia, University of Technology Sarawak, i-CATS University College, and Centre for Technology Excellence Sarawak. Meanwhile, on the Pesta Sungai Simpok, Sagah, who is Tarat assemblyman, said there are plans to include it as an annual event in Sarawak's tourism calendar. To realise this, he said further infrastructure improvements need to be done at the riverfront to attract more visitors to Kampung Simpok. 'This has been an annual event since 2018, except during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'The event serves as a reminder to the public about the importance of river cleanliness, as the river is the lifeline for the villagers,' he said, while thanking AirAsia for jointly organising this year's event. free higher education lead Roland Sagah workers
